Coping With The Decision to Put a Loved One In Assisted Living

Putting a Loved One in Assisted Living

Placing a loved one in assisted living can be an emotional decision. It’s difficult to come to terms with the fact that your loved one may need assistance that you cannot provide on your own, and it is natural to harbour guilt. However, it is important to remember that this decision is made out of love and a desire to ensure that your loved one receives the care and support they need.

Navigating the Guilt of Your Decision

You may feel a myriad of unpleasant emotions as you begin to realize that you can no longer provide the level of care your loved one needs to live safely and comfortably in their own home or your home. While it’s easy to feel shame, guilt, and regret, it’s not your fault, and there are key ways to work through these emotions and find solace in your decision.

Understanding Assisted Living Placement

Assisted living facilities provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors who may need assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, run by compassionate caregiving experts. They also offer social and recreational activities, as well as access to healthcare professionals. This can be a wonderful opportunity for your loved one to engage with their peers, make new friends, and continue to live a fulfilling life.

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility for Your Loved One

One way to work through feelings of guilt and regret is to be actively involved in the process of finding the right assisted living facility. It’s essential to do thorough research and determine which facility best suits your loved one’s needs. This may include finding a facility that specializes in caring for individuals with a specific condition, such as Alzheimer’s care, or that offers specific amenities, such as a gym or pool.

Visiting the Facility Before Making a Decision

It is crucial to visit the facility in person to get a sense of the environment, meet the staff, and get a feel for the community. This can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that the assisted living placement you’re choosing is well-equipped to care for your loved one. This can be instrumental in curbing the sadness you may be feeling.

Accept That Professional Senior Care Is the Next Step

When it comes to caring for an ageing or ill loved one, a higher level of care can be life-altering, as it ensures they have access to the skilled care and supervision they need. Long-term care facilities conduct a thorough needs assessment for potential residents before move-in. This ensures that the residents receive the appropriate type of care and that the facility is able to meet their needs.

Although there are alternatives to nursing homes, such as in-home care, these can be cost-prohibitive for seniors who require frequent monitoring and consistent care. Professional help is also necessary for you, the current caregiver, as caregiving can be a demanding and challenging task, and it’s critical to avoid caregiver burnout.

Embracing Your Role

Another way to navigate the guilt is to focus on the present and the positive aspects of the decision. Instead of thinking of yourself as a primary caregiver, think of yourself as a loved one who is visiting and spending quality time.

This shift in mindset can help you to focus on the time you have with your loved one, rather than feeling guilty about their care. Additionally, it can help you make valuable memories and make the most of your time together.

Realize It Is Out of Your Control

Watching someone we love struggle is a grueling experience, and when it’s a family member, we often feel responsible. However, it’s crucial to remember that you did not cause their illness or age-related decline. Recognize that your loved one knows how much you care, and they know you have no control over the situation.

Even if you were to continue functioning as their caregiver at home, you could not reverse or eliminate the symptoms and conditions they are facing any better than the professionals at an assisted living facility. In most cases, a facility is better equipped to keep your loved one healthy, having the tools to meet their needs without hassle or delay.

Acknowledge Your Hard Work and Effort

Taking on the role of primary caregiver is a serious responsibility that requires selflessness and sacrifices of your own time. You navigate complex scenarios you have no experience handling, and you try your best daily to keep your loved one healthy, happy, and safe with the resources you have.

Now that it’s time to begin the next chapter in an assisted living facility, acknowledge your dedication and hard work. Take time to be proud of yourself and accept that you did everything you could and that your decision is in the best interests of your loved one.

Recognize That You Need to Focus On Your Own Well-Being

It’s common to feel plagued by guilt that propels us to neglect our needs while performing the duties of a caregiver. However, at a certain point, you cannot function without taking time to focus on your own needs. When you bring in professional support, it’s important to recognize what you’re lacking in order to feel good mentally and emotionally.

Perhaps it’s a day of self-care or a day tending to the housework you’ve been letting pile up while you manage your loved one’s day-to-day needs. No matter what it is that you need to focus on, now is the time to do it.

Be Realistic With Your Expectations

Be realistic with your expectations about how your loved one may take the idea of a senior care facility. Leaving their home and familiar surroundings can be difficult to accept, and they may have initial resistance or reluctance. It is important to understand that this is a natural response and to be patient and understanding.

It may be helpful to involve them in the process of finding a facility and allowing them to have a say in the decision. Additionally, it can be beneficial to assure them that they will still be able to maintain their independence and autonomy and that the facility will offer them opportunities for socialization and enrichment.

Remember That Nothing Is Set in Stone

If you are feeling bad about the facility you’ve selected for your loved one, or you feel as though it’s not quite the most suitable fit, you can always make changes. There are many options to choose from, and you are not forced to accept a sub-par facility as a permanent fixture if it doesn’t feel right.

Additionally, it’s important to note that if you suspect your loved one is not being adequately cared for, neglected, or abused, it’s imperative to contact the long-term care ombudsman in charge of your area to dispute the situation and rectify it immediately.

Get Professional Assisted Living Placement Help With Placita In-Home Care

If the time has come to make the decision to place your loved one in assisted living, you do not have to face this challenge alone. Placita In Home Care’s senior care specialists are here to help you find the most suitable assisted living placement for your loved one, providing experienced guidance and support throughout the process. Contact our compassionate care team for a free consultation today.