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T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T
47
CHAPTER 4
OPTIONS FOR CARE
One of the most difficult decisions
caregivers may have to face is whether
to place a loved one in a nursing home.
The Nursing
Home Decision
DECISION “TREE” OF
CARE OPTIONS
Does your relative need more
care than you or a community-
based facility can provide?
☐
Illness or injury of primary caregiver
☐
Family stressors, including financial
difficulties and problems with
children
☐
Loved one has incontinence of
bladder and/or bowel
☐
Difficulties with lifting and/or
transferring the loved one safely
☐
Difficulties with mobility
If you answered yes to any of these
questions, it may be time to consider
a nursing home placement. Discuss
the issue with the entire family
and physician. It may be helpful to
have an in-home evaluation by a
professional who can assess your
loved one’s needs. Call the Harford
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Evaluation and Review Service at
410-838-1500
to arrange an evaluation
by a nurse or social worker.
My loved one:
Has a chronic or acute illness that
requires 24-hour skilled nursing care
Yes
No
Has a medical condition that
requires 24-hour monitoring
by a medical professional
Yes
No
Is debilitated to the point where
they are medically unstable
Yes
No
Is unable to ambulate on their own
Yes
No
Has experienced cognitive decline
or dementia leading to frequent
wandering or agitation
Yes
No
Has had frequent falls, injuries
or is at risk of self harm
Yes
No
Is unable to feed themselves or
reliant upon medical interventions
for nutrition/hydration
Yes
No
Harford County Department
of Community Services
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