Moving a loved one to assisted living can be an emotional journey for everyone involved. You may even feel guilty about this significant life change your loved one is going through.
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to overcome them. Find tips on navigating guilt in this blog from Golden Bell Senior Living.
Common reasons family members may feel guilty about moving a loved one to assisted living
#1: You made the decision for your loved one instead of with them.
Sometimes, an unexpected medical crisis forces families to move a loved one to assisted living before they’re ready or with little time to have a conversation about the transition. Situations like this can often cause guilt because you may feel you moved them against their will.
How can you overcome this?
When your loved one starts settling into their new space, set aside time to talk to them about how you’re feeling. It’s OK to tell your loved one that you thought you had to do what was best for them, keeping their safety and overall well-being your top priority.
You can share that you wished you had more time to involve them in the conversation and make the decision to move. Then, allow your loved one to decide how to decorate their apartment or create a schedule of activities they’d like to try in the community. Start to show them ways they have more independence and control of their daily activities and choices now.
Related: See what you can expect in an assisted living community >>
#2: You have reached your limit on time, patience, and energy.
In other words, you may feel burnt out and exhausted from balancing your needs with those of your parent or other loved one. Caregiving and moving someone out of their home can be an overwhelming and stressful process. It’s normal to feel this way.
How can you overcome this?
Carve out time for self-care to fulfill your own physical and emotional needs. Self-care can look different for everyone, so find activities that are meaningful to you. For example, incorporate a daily breathing exercise into your routine, connect with a support group, exercise more, or schedule lunch with a friend.
Learning to say “no” and establish boundaries is essential to self-care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling stuck, depressed, or unsure of how to incorporate self-care into your life.
#3: You promised your parent or loved one that you’d never put them in a “nursing home” or senior living community.
Nursing homes have earned a bad reputation, and some generations have an outdated perception of senior living. Many older adults don’t realize that senior living communities have changed for the better and can be a place where seniors thrive and live active, engaging lives.
How can you overcome this?
Education is key. Make sure your loved one gets a personalized tour of the community so they can see the numerous amenities, opportunities, and available services for themselves.
Introduce them to other residents to give them an inside look at what it’s like to live in assisted living. Once they have a clearer picture of senior living, they’ll likely start to identify the benefits of a move, lessening your guilt.
Related: Learn how assisted living can lead to better health outcomes >>
Discover assisted living in South Florida and South Carolina
Assisted living residents of Golden Bell’s Independence Hall and Williamsburg Landing in Wilton Manors, Florida, and Cumberland Hills in Aiken, South Carolina, enjoy resort-style living plus the additional support and assistance they need to live independently.
Assisted living includes a comprehensive activities program, delicious chef-prepared meals, and beautiful apartment suites. You can learn more about our assisted living communities on our website.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
