If you’re caring for an aging loved one, the thought of putting them in a nursing home facility may make you cringe. It can be painful to see your relative go through afflictions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, but indulging your feelings may not be the best course of action for your family member.

Caring for a person with dementia is incredibly difficult, as well as physically and emotionally taxing. Dementia patients have a lot of untold needs and many symptoms to contend with. Some of these symptoms include memory loss, mood swings, personality changes, hallucinations and frequent falling. Around-the-clock supervision is required to care for many dementia patients, as is the case with many older adults suffering from other illnesses.

In addition, a caregiver may not realize how mentally and physically exhausted they are. This can lead to a higher chance of injury for a loved one – something that no one wants. When the needs of your loved one exceed what a home caregiver can provide, it is probably time to consider a long-term care option like a nursing home.

Arriving at this decision is not simple. When it comes to someone you and your family love and care for, there may not be a consensus about the best plan of action. Some may think that your ill relative would rather be at home with family and may not understand that at some point nursing home care could become unavoidable.

If you’re the primary caregiver, you don’t necessarily need to obtain consent from other family members before admitting a loved one into a nursing home. If there is internal strife within the family dynamics, it is often best to seek the advice of an experienced elder law attorney.

Not only are elder law attorneys skilled in navigating through family turmoil, they can also advise you on available sources for long-term care funding. You will also receive advice on how to best select a nursing home.

Rothamel Bratton Attorneys at Law is pleased to announce a new addition to the team. Anne Markel-Crozier BSW, CSW, works closely with clients in the areas of elder law and life care. Call our offices today to speak with her or one of our knowledgeable elder care attorneys about your specific needs.