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Is a nursing home the best option for my sister who's partially paralyzed?

Dkh1956 asked...

My sister is partially paralyzed, and the hospital is releasing her. I am 71 yrs old and unable to take care of her, is a nursing home be her best option?

Expert Answer

Kay Paggi, GCM, LPC, CGC, MA, is in private practice as a geriatric care manager and is on the advisory board for the Emeritus Program at Richland College. She has worked with seniors for nearly 20 years as a licensed professional counselor, certified gerontological counselor, and certified geriatric care manager.

A nursing home for your sister is probably the best option for both you and your sister. Your sister's paralysis causes her to have physical needs that require assistance from someone. If she gets that care in a nursing home, then you will be able to provide other kinds of care.

People who have major physical losses benefit from love and attention (don't we all!), and the best person to provide that TLC may be you, someone who has known her all her life. You can reminiesce with her about times when you were children and young adults, you know little things that please her, you understand her sense of humor.

Allowing others to provide physical care frees you to provide quality emotional care. Do not feel guilty about placing her in a care facility. Instead, be pleased that you will now have the time and energy to provide extra care that will enrich her life.