Moving from home to a senior living community is hard for both the senior and the caregiver. The transition is emotional and bittersweet for all those involved.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, “An estimated 44 million Americans age 18 and older provide unpaid assistance and support to older people and adults with disabilities who live in the community.”
It’s come to the point where you can no longer take care of mom or dad by yourself. You feel stressed and worn out. You chose an assisted living community for your parents; they move in. All of a sudden, you don’t know what to do with your extra time, you feel guilty for moving your parents out of their home.
How do you move forward?”
Negative Emotions
First and foremost, overcome the negative emotions. As a caregiver, you feel guilty that you now have time to spend on yourself rather than exclusively on your parent. Your parent may even voice that they want to go home and say, “How could you do this to me?” Instead of internalizing these comments, work hard on banishing these feelings.
You may feel a loss of control. Don’t let this thought sink any further. As long as you feel your parent is safe, feel relief not guilt. At the Landings, we want you to feel like you are a part of your parent’s care team.
You are important.
When Transition is Necessary
Sometimes moving into an assisted living community is necessary. There is no way around it. When all parties agree with the move, the transition can be easier. However, many times an agreement cannot be made.
Your loved one may want to stay at home, but you know that assisted living will be the best care for them. If this should occur, find comfort in knowing that in assisted living, your parent has unlimited access to care, daily activities and socialization.
You may have feelings of guilt that you are no longer able to care to your loved one. Remind yourself of this: trained professionals, who are in a better position to help mom, are providing the best care for her.
This is for her benefit.
Take on Old Hobbies
Adjusting to your new role will take time. If transitioning your parent from home to assisted living is difficult, try filling your extra time with a hobby. Try an old hobby, maybe a new one… Try visiting mom or dad and join in on an activity. You can join in on their fun and be a part of their new lifestyle.
Rest up, self-care, and spend time loving on your parent as opposed to stressing over providing the care. Be grateful for the moments you have with your parent and those moments you can live for you.
At the Landings, caring for your loved ones is our most important job.
We are here to help you.
To learn more about our care options, call Kristen today!