If you are the primary caregiver of an aging parent or spouse, there might come a time where you have to start thinking about transitioning to assisted living or a retirement community. Even if your intention is to care for them as long as possible, there are certain situations beyond your control.
Yes, moving your loved one might be one of the toughest decisions you’ll ever make, but in reality, it can be the best decision you can make for you and the health of your loved one.
Naturally, feelings of guilt might creep in and begin to plague you. If you’re struggling to come to terms with your decision, here’s why you shouldn’t feel guilty about moving your parents in the Minnetonka area.
Why You Might Have Feelings of Guilt
One of the main reasons why you might struggle with feelings of guilt is due to a sense of personal failure. For example, you might feel like you’ve failed in your duty to care for your loved one. Making the decision to move them to a care facility may also play on your own perception of your caregiving skills.
You might worry that they’ll be lonely, their health will deteriorate, or they’ll resent you for the decision. All of these feelings are valid, but that doesn’t mean they are true.
Ultimately, moving an aging parent is one of the best things you can do to put their health first. Here are a few reasons why.
You Cannot Control Your Loved One’s Declining Health
One of the main reasons for transitioning your loved one to a more senior friendly environment in the Minnetonka area is deteriorating health conditions that are beyond your control. They might also extend beyond your capabilities or expertise.
Whether your loved one’s declining health relates to age or degenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, it’s all beyond your control. Realizing and accepting this can help you to process and overcome those feelings of guilt.
Realize That Professional Care is a Necessary Step
As mentioned, the scope of a loved one’s health or disease might be beyond your own knowledge, expertise, capabilities, time, and effort. Naturally, the next best step is to hand over their care to those who are 100 percent capable.
Most assisted living facilities and nursing homes won’t accept seniors that don’t need the care. So, if your loved one makes it through the assessment and is approved for this type of care, you know you’ve made the right decision.
You Are Doing the Best You Can
As a primary caregiver, you have a mountain of responsibility on your shoulders. Making the decision to transition your loved one to a different place in the Minnetonka area for their health is difficult, but someone has to make the decision.
By assuming so much responsibility as a caregiver, you’re doing your best by making this decision based on research and information. Give yourself some credit for doing your due diligence and researching the best options for your loved one.
Full-Time Care Helps Everyone Involved
The last thing you want is to feel stretched so thin that you cannot possibly manage the task of caregiving any longer. If you’re nearing that point, then making the transition is not only the best decision for you but also for your loved one.
Caregiver burnout is real and can negatively impact you both. Additionally, if your loved one receives a great standard of care and they are happy, then you need to realize that you have made the right decision for everyone involved.
Care for Your Parents in Minnetonka
Feelings of guilt are normal when it comes time to make this huge life decision, but if you’ve done your research and carefully weighed your options, this transition could be best for both you and your loved one.
With Sholom, you can count on us for the best possible care, backed by expertise, compassion, and the support of our community in the Minnetonka area. Learn more about our long-term care offering today.
