The roles have reversed. Now you worry if your parents are eating right. Are they safe from strangers? Is it safe for them to go up and down the stairs? Have they wandered off? As your parents lose their ability to take care of themselves, Carolinas HealthCare System is here to help you and your family navigate this transition. We offer many options, including respite, residential and skilled nursing care at a variety of locations.

At Kings Mountain Hospital, the Respite Care Program provides temporary respite care for elderly or disabled adults for up to 14 days. Level I care includes bathing, grooming and feeding. Level II care includes Level I care as well as administration of medication.

Fairly independent parents may choose to move into a residential community. These multi-unit living arrangements remove the responsibilities of a home-yard work, security, home repair and food preparation.

Parents who are obviously not safe at home due to dementia, wandering, or loss of memory or reasoning ability may be best served at a nursing facility. These facilities offer various levels of care ranging from general supervision (to prevent wandering) to round-the-clock skilled nursing attention. However, many elderly people resist nursing homes because it conjures up images of cinder block buildings where old people are sent to die. The good news is that many of today's homes have much better environments. They are now called long-term care facilities to reflect the vitality of their residents and the amenities and activities they offer.