Anyone who has had to make the difficult decision of helping a parent make the move to an assisted living community or facility experiences some degree of guilt. This is normal and natural.
Is it right to take Mom or Dad out of the house they’ve always known? Should I be the one caring for them in my home? Is assisted living really the only viable solution? What if their health gets better while they are in the facility and they want to move back home?
These are questions that will likely fill your mind. By suggesting senior living, are you really helping them make the best decision for themselves?
Let us assure you – feeling guilty is normal, but you shouldn’t feel guilty about helping your elderly parent move to an assisted living community or facility. Here are five reasons as to why helping them move may be the best decision for everyone:
Here are five reasons as to why helping them move may be the best decision for everyone:
Social Interaction
For many seniors, assisted living communities are a boon of activity and friendship. This is especially true if Mom or Dad haven’t been able to drive for a while or if a medical condition keeps them from venturing out the way they once did.
Many assisted living facilities and communities have active social calendars. Not only will Mom or Dad make lots of new friends, they may also be having even more fun than you. Outings to local museums, shopping, and sporting events are just some of the many activities assisted living communities organize for their residents. Residents can choose which activities they want to participate in.
Medical Care When Necessary
What may begin as occasional forgetfulness may turn into dementia faster than anticipated. If an elderly person suffers a fall, bones are more likely to break, or they may have trouble getting up when they have fallen.
Assisted living has access to a fully licensed medical staff and they are available 24/7, so if an emergency happens late at night, help is right there. Assisted living facilities can also dispense medication, so there’s no need to worry whether an elderly parent has remembered.
Delicious Food Prepared By Nutritionists
Seniors who live alone don’t always eat the way they should. Sometimes they just forget to eat altogether. Assisted living facilities and communities have licensed nutritionists and cooks on staff to provide delicious and healthy meals for all residents. Special dietary considerations are always at the forefront of meal preparation, so the residents will always get something nutritionally appropriate just for them.
Visitors And Pets Are Welcome
Many assisted living communities and facilities encourage family and friends to visit. Pets are welcome in many facilities as well.
If you’re afraid Mom or Dad may have trouble fitting in at first, or if you feel the need to show them that they have not been forgotten about, feel free to visit. Don’t be surprised, however, if their social calendar suddenly becomes a lot more active, or if they choose to spend time with new-found friends.
You Can’t Do It All By Yourself
Caring for an elderly parent can be a daunting task. This is especially true if they suffer from dementia or have major medical issues. Remember—if you don’t take care of you, you can’t take care of anyone else. Assisted living facilities and communities exist for exactly this reason. Unlike family members, they are professionally qualified for the elderly.
There is no reason to feel guilty about helping your parents move into an assisted living facility or community. It may be the best decision yet!
