Moving a Parent into Assisted Living Can Cause Feelings of Guilt

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need. 

Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living community is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they needed to move to a place where they would receive the proper care. 

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older, and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-term regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.  

If you are looking at senior living communities on the north side of Metro Denver, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.  We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 45 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 19 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/