How would you react if you found out that your parents or grandparents had to be moved to a nursing home? Would you feel guilty? Would you feel like it was your fault?
The elderly population has grown rapidly over the last decade. In 2017, there were nearly 40 million Americans aged 65 and older.
By 2060, this number is expected to reach 88 million. This means that the demand for long-term care services will continue to rise.
While the majority of seniors prefer to live at home, some need to move into a nursing home. If you are thinking of moving your parent or grandparent into a nursing home, here are some things to consider before making the decision.
However, if it is the right thing to do for your loved one, you should not feel guilty, and in this article, we look at ways to help you deal with the guilt.
Guilt Over Moving Your Parents Into A Nursing Home
If you have decided to place your loved ones in a nursing home, then you may find yourself feeling guilty about doing so.
You may think that you did something wrong by placing them in a facility where they will receive medical attention and care from someone other than yourself or another family member.
It is important to understand that no matter what happens to your loved one, you cannot control their health, and sometimes professional help is the best thing you can do for them.
They may get sicker than you thought possible without it. There is nothing you can do to prevent this from happening. The only thing you can do is make sure that they receive the best care possible.
You may also feel guilty because you know that your parents or grandparents are going to miss out on certain activities that they enjoyed when they lived at home.
For example, you may know that your mother loves to go shopping, but she won’t be able to do that anymore so independently.
You may feel guilty because you know how much your father used to enjoy playing golf, but he won’t be allowed to play anymore unless on organized trips.
However, you shouldn’t feel guilty about placing your loved ones in a nursing home. After all, you are just trying to provide them with the best care possible.
Remember, in a nursing home, they will be able to make friends, socialize, and participate in various activities. They will also be safe from harm and will be provided with the care that they deserve.
What’s more is that you will be prevented from caregiver burnout and you might be able to return to the responsibilities that you had neglected as a result of your caregiving role.
How To Deal With Guilt When Placing Your Loved One In A Nursing Home
There are many different types of nursing homes available, each offering different levels of care. Some facilities offer skilled nursing care while others offer assisted living and memory care.
Regardless of which type you choose, it is important to remember that you are providing your loved one with the best care possible and that you did everything you could to ensure that they received the best care possible.
When you feel guilty over placing your loved one in a nursing home, try to remind yourself that you are doing the right thing.
You are helping them to receive the best care possible and you are preventing yourself from becoming too exhausted.
Try to focus on the positive aspects of the situation instead of dwelling on the negatives. This way, you will be able to avoid getting stressed out and you will be able to cope better with any negative emotions that arise.
If you need additional support, there are some things you can do to deal with guilt when placing your loved one in an elderly care facility.
First, talk to your loved one about why you chose to place them in such a facility. Be honest with them and explain that you want to give them the best care possible.
Tell them that you love them and that you want to spend time with them every day. Remind them that you will still visit them regularly and that you will always be there if they ever need anything.
Second, don’t forget to take good care of yourself. Make sure that you eat well, exercise daily, get enough sleep, and have fun!
If you’re feeling guilty over placing your loved ones in an elderly care facility, then you could also consider taking an online course for part-time caregivers and potentially care for them now and again, or even give them a bit of respite from the nursing home.
By learning new skills and gaining knowledge, you’ll be able to help your loved one stay healthy and happy.
To help you deal with any feelings of guilt, you could also take time to talk to someone who knows you well. Perhaps you could speak to your pastor, priest, rabbi, minister, therapist, or friend.
They can help you understand what you should be feeling and how you should react.
Remember, you are not alone. There are plenty of other people who are going through similar situations and they would be willing to listen to you. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to them and ask for their advice.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem like a difficult decision at first, once you’ve made the decision to put your loved one in a nursing home and they start to receive the proper care they deserve, you won’t regret it.
You will be able to put your worries aside and concentrate on the positive aspects of this situation.
As long as you are doing the right and most loving thing for your nearest and dearest, knowledge of this should hopefully allow you to deal with any feelings of guilt.
Hi, my name is Eddie Lamb and I am passionate about teaching people how to care for the elderly at home. The debate on nursing homes is a fierce one, and in my experience, I have found that older people would prefer to remain in their own homes.
I have previously worked in a nursing home as a trained carer for 15 years. As you can imagine, I was able to talk to countless residents within the home and get to know them on a personal level.
I hope that you’ll find something of use on my website. I would love to think that I have helped just one older person remain at home, where they feel the happiest, during their final years.
