Did you know that the amount of Americans who are 65 or older is expected to reach 95 million by 2060? Do you have a loved one who you’re considering putting in an assisted living community?
You might be wondering how to do it without guilt? In this article, explore why an assisted living community might be the right choice for your loved one, and how beneficial they can be. Read on to discover why something you feel guilty about will actually be the right decision, and can bring happiness and acceptance to your loved one.
Why Might Assisted Living Facilities Be the Right Choice?
When you’re looking for the best options for senior living in your area, you might happen upon different assisted living facilities in Anchorage. You might be asking yourself if this is the right decision for your loved one.
Requires Special Care
The first question to ask yourself is if your loved one requires special skills to be cared for. Sometimes your loved one will require special care from a professional such as a nurse or gerontologist. You’ll be relieved knowing that your loved one is getting the care and attention they need and deserve at an assisted living facility.
Social Activities
Where your loved one currently is, maybe there aren’t many other seniors or social activities they can attend. In an assisted living facility, you’ll see that your loved one will have plenty of social activities they can experience and enjoy with other seniors in the area.
They’ll get to meet a larger group of elderly who might be going through a similar situation as them. Your loved one won’t have to worry about having to be driven somewhere to make new friends.
From movie nights to fitness classes, there’s something for everyone at an assisted living facility! You’ll be happy knowing that they’ll be kept busy, and be given appropriate activities for them.
What Causes Guilt About Placing Your Loved One in Assisted Living?
While you might be experiencing guilt, just know that you’ll be making the right choice for them by choosing the best assisted living community in Anchorage. The good news is that the guilt won’t always be there.
If you start to feel guilty, just know that they’re receiving top care that they need, get to socialize with others, and have plenty of activities for them to enjoy. When you start missing them you can go to see them at the facility and see how they’re doing.
Coping With the Move
We understand this is a change for you and might take time to accept. To make the transition as comfortable as possible for both you and your loved one, you can personalize their room.
Think ahead about what items will fit, and what matters most to them. Maintain a good support system consisting of friends, family, and your spouse. Plan ahead before you go and see your loved one, and think about what conversation topics you’ll discuss.
Practice Self-Care
You might be so busy worrying about your loved one that you forget to take care of yourself too. Talk with your support system about how you feel, and give yourself time during this transition.
Remember that assisted living is there to help your loved one with their physical needs. You can still be there for them and provide their emotional needs as well. Watching your loved one enjoying activities with their new friends is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Focus on How Your Loved One Is Doing
Once they’re in senior living in Anchorage, pay attention to how well your loved one is doing. No matter how small or large, celebrate the victories.
For example, maybe they love the meals there or loved their first activity with other seniors. If you start to feel guilty, remind yourself of the happiness your loved one is experiencing there.
Tips on Moving Your Senior Parent
Whether you’re moving your loved one out of a house or a room, you’ll need to go through their items that they’re keeping and not. The items that they’re not, you can consider donating.
If you’re moving them out of a house, focus on one room at a time. Choose what day you’ll focus on for each room.
Give yourself time to close the door on their old home. Remember that when one door closes another opens.
Before you even begin packing, have the proper supplies necessary. For example, ensure that you have tape, boxes, etc. It’s a good idea to give yourself a little over a month to pack up all the necessary items.
Donate
Once you go through the items that aren’t going, donate what you won’t be taking. You and your other loved ones can also consider keeping what won’t be going with them.
Finding the Best Assisted Living Facility
Search for senior living near you. Once you find a high-quality location, it’ll help any guilt dissipate.
Research different options you find in your area and take a look at the reviews. Speak to your loved one about what’s most important to them.
Ensure that they have the proper care required. For example, you might need to search for the best memory care services near you.
How To Put Your Loved One in an Assisted Living Community
After exploring this guide on putting your loved one in an assisted living community without guilt, you should have a better idea of how to approach the situation. Finding the right care home can feel stressful, but doesn’t have to be!
Are you ready to find the right assisted living community for your loved one right here in Anchorage? From assisted living to respite care, we provide a variety of different services. Contact us today, and you can find out why so many choose us for their loved ones years after year!
