Blog

Moving Mom to an Assisted Living Home

By Christine Hall

Moving a parent to an assisted living home can be a difficult and emotional decision for both the parent and you – the adult child. There are many feelings that you may experience during this process, including:

• Guilt: You may feel guilty about moving your parent to assisted living, even if it is the best decision for their health and safety. You may worry that you are abandoning your parent or that you are not doing enough to care for them.
• Fear: You may also fear the unknown. You may worry about how your loved one will adjust to living in a new place, making new friends, and receiving care from strangers. And you may also worry about the cost of assisted living and how they will afford it.
• Stress: The process of moving a parent to assisted living can be very stressful for you as you may have to deal with a lot of paperwork, make a lot of decisions and coordinate with different care providers. This can be overwhelming, especially if you are also juggling other responsibilities, such as a job, a family, and other caregiving duties.
• Loss: Moving a loved one to an assisted living facility may also give you a sense of loss as you might miss your loved one’s presence in your home and daily life. You may also be grieving the loss of your parents’ independence and ability to live on their own.

It is important to remember that these feelings are normal and that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult process such as talking to your parent’s doctor, a social worker, or a support group for adult children of aging parents. There are also many online resources that can provide information and support.

Here are some tips for coping with the pain points of moving a parent to an assisted living home:

• Allow yourself to feel your emotions: It is okay to feel guilty, scared, stressed or sad. These are all normal emotions to experience during this time.
• Talk to your parent: Talk to your parent about your concerns and fears. They may be able to reassure you or offer you their own perspective.
• Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or join a support group for adult children of aging parents. Talking to others who understand what you are going through can be very helpful.
• Take care of yourself: Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising. Taking care of yourself will help you cope with the stress of this transition.

Moving a parent to an assisted living home can be a difficult time, but it is important to remember that you are doing what is best for your parent.

Your needs are always a priority for us. For more information, or if you need advice or someone to speak to regarding your parent(s) moving to an assisted living home, or if you have any other questions regarding senior living options, please call us at 253-313-7098.