Coping With the Guilt of Moving a Parent into Assisted Living

Senior living communities offer support for aging loved ones.

There comes a time when your aging parents or other loved ones can no longer remain safely in their homes without supervision. You may want to dedicate your time to caring for them, but balancing your daily obligations with this responsibility can be daunting and may not be possible. While many feel guilty about considering senior assisted living in Oklahoma City, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. The following will help you overcome the guilt of moving an aging parent into one of the local senior living communities.

Recognize the Guilt

The first step in managing your guilt over senior care services in OKC is to recognize your feelings. Many people go through denial, ignoring the feelings of guilt in the hopes they will simply go away. Unfortunately, ignoring guilt often makes it worse, resulting in feelings of regret later in life. Recognizing the guilt and learning to deal with it will help your mental health in the long run.

Ask for Help

Shouldering the burden of moving an aging parent into senior assisted living in Oklahoma City is something no one should do alone. If you have siblings, lean on them and ask them for help. Sharing vital tasks will streamline the process and ensure you can help each other as needed. If you must face this decision alone, consider asking other family members or neighbors and friends you can trust. They may have gone through the process themselves and can provide valuable insight to help you navigate the waters and alleviate your guilt.

Connect with Others

Senior assisted living options are often an excellent choice for seniors.
You don’t have to feel guilty about senior assisted living options.

Building connections with others facing the same situation can help you understand your feelings of guilt and find ways to cope with it. It can be challenging to look at your feelings from the inside, but when you can talk it out with a support group, a therapist, or others in a similar situation, you can sort through your feelings and get ideas for alleviating your guilt. 

Focus on the Whys and the Benefits

When you think carefully about why you’re considering senior living services in OKC for your aging parent, you can help your mind let go and realize that you’re doing your best for the person who raised you. Focusing on why your parent needs assisted living and what benefits they will receive during their stay will help you feel more confident in your decision. Talk to your loved one about your concerns. While some seniors are hesitant to make the move, others are excited about the prospect of their new life in an assisted living community.

Do Your Research

One element that can increase your guilt is the uncertainty of what life is like in senior living communities. Research nearby communities to find one that perfectly suits your loved one’s personality and lifestyle. Visiting assisted living communities can also help you decide whether it’s the ideal fit for your parent. Take them with you to get their feedback and to help you feel confident that they will love their new home.

Contact us today to discuss your loved one’s needs and why senior assisted living in Oklahoma City may be the best choice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *