Moving your parents or loved ones to a senior living community can be hard. You might question yourself or feel guilty. A senior living transition can be emotionally taxing on the individual and their adult children.
How do you deal with these feelings? This post will offer tips on how to cope with guilt and grief during a senior care transition.
Managing Guilt and Grief During a Senior Care Transition
Why People Feel Guilty
People move their loved ones to senior care for different reasons. Even if the move became unavoidable, you might feel guilty. Here are some reasons why caregivers feel guilty.
- You feel that you are abandoning your parents or elderly relatives. They cared for you as a child, and you think it’s your turn to care for them. You might also feel like you are failing them.
- It goes against your family, community, culture, or spiritual expectations. These factors contribute significantly to your concerns about them living in a senior care facility.
- You feel selfish because you are not carrying the burden of taking care of your loved ones directly. Many often feel like they are shifting a burden onto others so they can have an easier life.
Now that we understand where these feelings come from let’s consider some ways to deal with them.
Acknowledge the Change
You must accept that you and your loved ones are in a different phase in life. The only way to process these feelings is to acknowledge the reality of the situation. Your loved ones may need special attention and care best provided by professionals. As a person with a career and children, you may not have time to provide the necessary care. There is also a good chance you do not have the skills or knowledge to provide adequate care.
Educate Yourself
Research senior living communities and what they have to offer. Understanding the services and community can provide relief. It can also assure you that your loved one will receive the care they need.
Find Social Support
Talking to friends who experienced this transition can help you cope with the changes. You’ll see that your feelings are normal and that you will adjust. Finding ways to get out and put the feelings aside can also be helpful.
Aim for a Smooth Transition
The first day of the move can be both overwhelming and emotional. But you can make the move smooth by getting to know the caregivers and their responsibilities. You can decorate the room of your loved one with pictures and their favorite things. Plan regular visits to ensure enough quality time with your loved one.
Convenient Senior Living Solutions Done Right!
Canopy Senior Living is Atlanta’s most trusted, experienced, innovative senior living management company! We dedicate ourselves to creating an excellent and caring environment for our residents and team members. Learn more about our services. If you’re interested, message us by contacting Canopy Senior Living.