Placing a loved one in a nursing home can be a difficult and emotional experience, with feelings of guilt and sadness often at the forefront. In this blog, we will explore some tips for coping with nursing home guilt, and provide some resources for support.
Be Prepared for a Range of Emotions
Moving a parent or loved one into a nursing home can make everyone feel a range of emotions, including the person making the move, their family, and other family members. Emotions can range from guilt to relief to sadness to worry to anger. It’s important to know that all of these feelings are normal and to be ready for them. It is important to recognise and validate everyone’s feelings and offer support during the change.
It’s also important to talk about the move in an open and honest way so that everyone is on the same page and understands the situation the same way. When these talks start well in advance, rather than as a surprise, everyone has time to think about how they feel and ask any questions they might have. Making sure everyone feels safe enough to talk about their feelings can help the transition go more smoothly and help everyone adjust to the changes.
Stop Feeling Guilty
It’s important to know that putting a loved one in an elderly care facility is a hard choice, but it’s often necessary because their health is getting worse or they need more medical care. It’s important to remember that putting a loved one in an elderly care facility doesn’t mean you love or care less about them. It’s also important to realise that caring for someone can be a lot of work. Putting a loved one in an elderly care facility can give them the care and attention they need and give you time to take care of yourself.
When deciding to put an elderly family member in care, many people feel guilty. It’s important to remember, though, that this is a common feeling and not unique to your situation. Try to think about why the decision was made and the good things it will do for your loved one, like making them safer, giving them better medical care, and giving them more chances to socialise and do things. By realising that this choice will make your loved one’s life better, you can start to get over your guilt and find peace with it.
Set Expectations
When putting a loved one in a nursing home, it’s important to talk about what to expect. It’s important to talk to your loved one and the care facility openly and honestly about what you and your loved one hope to get out of the experience. This means setting up a schedule for visits, deciding what kinds of activities or services you want your loved one to get, and deciding how often you want to hear about their care.
By making sure your loved one knows what to expect, you can help them feel safe and cared for while also giving yourself time to focus on your own health and well-being. This will make the change easier for everyone and give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands.
Find the Right Skilled Nursing Facility
When looking for a nursing home or an elderly care provider, it’s important to think about how your loved one acts and what they need. You should take the time to learn about the different choices and look for a place where your loved one will feel safe and comfortable.
It’s important to check out each possible facility in person and see how the care is given, as well as how nice and clean the home is overall. You can also talk to current residents and staff members, as well as any family members who may have used the facilities in the past. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a big decision, and you should take your time to find the right home where your loved one will get the best care and feel the most comfortable.
Continue to Care
You can continue to care for a loved one in an assisted living facility or at home in many ways, including regular visits, phone calls, letters, care packages, and active participation in their care plan and decision-making. It’s also important to stay in touch with the people who are taking care of your loved one, so you know what kind of care they are getting.
Also, making sure that their personal items and belongings are in good shape and bring them comfort is a simple way to show that you still care. It’s important to remember that your love and support can still make a big difference in their life, even if you live far away, and that putting them in care does not mean you are giving up on them.
Families and carers who need help can find a lot of resources, such as Dementia Australia and Carers Gateway. Think about getting help from professionals who care for the elderly, and get in touch with Aged Care Ready today.
