Sometimes you come across certain situations in life where your emotions affect your decision-making. Moving your elderly parents away from home is one of them. It is normal to feel guilty by the thought of sending your loved ones to live in an assisted living facility. However, it is important to consider their needs and the care they require. As your loved ones continue to get older, their need for care increases and after a point, they may require round-the-clock attention.

This can be difficult to provide at home, especially considering the many other commitments in life, which is why an assisted living facility can be ideal. At this stage, rest easy knowing that the benefits of assisted living surpass your worries. To help you come to grips with this difficult decision and deal with it in a healthy manner, take a look at the following pointers.

Why does the feeling of guilt arise?

There are certain misconceptions about placing your elders into assisted living. Understanding the reasons behind your guilt will help you come to terms with this decision in a better way. To that end, take a look at a few reasons why you may feel guilty.

The feeling of incompetence

If the feeling of incompetence evokes guilt, try to remember that your decision stems from a place of concern and goodwill. This is especially important for families with elders who have some form of chronic condition.

According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60% of elders suffer from multiple chronic conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In such cases, these elders require adequate care and medical attention. If your elders are among the affected, it is only sensible to provide them with what they need. This could be a memory care facility at an assisted living program or a specialised dementia care provision.

Feeling hopeless

Moving your elders to assisted living may bring about feelings of hopelessness and then guilt. You may worry about their safety or care, but remember that an assisted living facility is equipped to handle all their needs. It also helps to accept that you won’t be able to provide the care your elders need at home. As such, an assisted living facility is the best option as it provides for their needs without compromise.

Myths and stigma

There is a negative perception about assisted living in many societies. An assisted living facility is generally regarded as the last place your elders should be taken to. However, the opposite is true. These facilities usually have good amenities, and can offer complete care, while ensuring medical aid too.

Reasons to stop feeling guilty

While it is human to feel guilty about placing your loved ones in a facility away from home, consider the benefits. They have access to proper personalised care at such facilities and the trained staff can handle all their needs, whenever they may arise. Further, elders living alone in India face physical and mental risks, which can affect them adversely. So, if you are living away from them in India or overseas, consider an assisted living facility seriously. Here are the facilities provided at an assisted living facility.

24x7 care and attention

The experienced staff at the assisted living centre care for your loved ones. They are trained to provide onsite help right from grooming and dressing to bathing and much more.

Enhanced social interaction

As per census data, more than 15 million senior citizens in India live alone. Social isolation is a real problem but not one that exists at an assisted living facility. Elders that live here become part of a community and are encouraged to participate in communal and social activities to stay healthy.

No burden of chores

At an assisted living facility, elders don’t have to perform any household chores. They can be as active as they choose to be, while having all their basic needs met. The focus is to enhance their well-being through activities and monitor any age-related health issues.

Comfort and tranquillity

Elder care centres are very comfortable and built to suit seniors. They have modern amenities with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a calm and safe environment.

Health is a priority

Trained non-medical staff and bed-side assistants at an assisted living facility provide proper care to your loved ones. This includes regular healthy meals at recommended timings. These care centres also often have in-house doctors or visiting medical professionals checking on the health of your loved ones.

How to overcome the guilt?

• The first step is to acknowledge the feeling of guilt and accept that it is normal to feel this way.
• Understand your elder’s requirement for proper care.
• Accept that you are not the cause for their ill health.
• Share your thoughts with someone who truly understands you and your intentions.
• Visit your elders often and stay connected through technology. This will help you overcome the guilt and your elders won’t feel neglected or abandoned.

Once you understand that your elders require proper stimulation and care for managing age-related symptoms, you’ll be able to better acknowledge the need for assisted living. At this stage, consider Kshetra. Our assisted living facilities offer a safe home-like environment, alongside 24x7 health and wellness monitoring. Kshetra also hosts community events to help your elders expand their social network and stay connected with peers. To know more contact us online.