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Guilt is one of the most difficult feelings faced by many senior caregivers when moving a loved one from home to a senior care facility. Many family members who find them themselves up against the decision usually do not go into it lightly. Most of the time, the move will be dictated by newly emerged medical conditions or unforeseen situations that make it impractical to care for the senior loved one at home. Whatever be the case, the decision and the logistics of the move can leave a caregiver with a sense of guilt that can be overwhelming.
Whether the decision to move your senior loved one to a care home happened over time or quickly as a response to some sudden developments, you can be dealing with guilt feelings and might not be able to manage the feelings effectively. Shared below are some helpful recommendations that can help address the guilt.
It is really important to understand that caregiver guilt is very common and completely natural. You are not the only one who has faced this change and will not be the last. So make sure to stop and acknowledge your feelings and give yourself grace. Understand that you are doing the very best you can and the decision you are making is because of the love you have for the senior loved one.
Most of the time, guilt is a product of pressure to have done what should be done in a particular situation. However, these shoulds can be unrealistic and beyond the capability of the caregiver. When the limits of the caregiver are exceeded, finding professional care options for the senior can be the best thing for them.
Residents of nursing homes usually need a constant level of care that cannot be offered by family caregivers due to lack of time, or skill. Nursing homes are suitable options for seniors who do not necessarily need hospital care but are unable to live on their own or in an assisted living facility. Many skilled nursing homes will also be equipped with supports like lifts to let the senior get in and out of bed, safe and accessible showers, help with essential tasks like dressing and eating, and services like physical therapy, speech therapy, and medical care. Even if the level of need of your senior is more, you can choose a skilled nursing home that can offer all the necessary services.