{"id":477,"date":"2024-11-25T09:40:27","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T17:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fieldstonecommunities.com\/puyallupmemorycare\/?p=477"},"modified":"2024-11-25T09:40:28","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T17:40:28","slug":"when-caregiving-ends-supporting-a-move-to-memory-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fieldstonecommunities.com\/puyallupmemorycare\/blogs\/when-caregiving-ends-supporting-a-move-to-memory-care\/","title":{"rendered":"When Caregiving Ends: Supporting a Move to Memory Care\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You had the conversations. You helped them downsize, reminiscing over old vacation photos, dusty camera collections, and stacks of past copies of \u201cGood Housekeeping.\u201d And you were there to help your parents start a joyful new chapter of their lives in a stylish and contemporary memory care community<\/a>. There they\u2019ll spend the days chumming it up with a gaggle of new acquaintances, taking in the scenery, and attending exercise classes and social activities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But a pang hits your heart. While you\u2019re excited for their next adventure, you may be feeling some complicated emotions. Especially if you\u2019ve been there for them to help with some day-to-day activities such as meal preparation, laundry, lawn care, and light housekeeping. While it may have been challenging at times, you were proud of the care you provided and that you were able to step up when they needed you. But now what?<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When caregiving ends, it might leave a big gap\u2014not just in your schedule, but also in your heart. It\u2019s completely normal to feel many different emotions when you stop being a caregiver. You might feel sad because you miss regular contact with your loved one or the routine you had together. You could also feel relieved that you don\u2019t have to manage those responsibilities anymore, and that\u2019s okay too. Sometimes, you might even feel a bit lost or unsure about what to do with your newfound free time. All these feelings are normal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not only okay to reestablish that role that you had in the family before you were a caregiver, it\u2019s necessary,\u201d says Talia Chipman, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Puyallup. \u201cYou give up the role of wife or son when you become a full-time caregiver.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some ways to deal with this emotional transition and make the most of this next phase of life.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on the positive<\/strong>. This transition may be beneficial for both you and your loved ones. While we pride ourselves on our ability to provide for our loved ones, everyone has their limits. The care your loved ones receive in a memory care community may help them maintain their health and independence, even if they are no longer living at home. Your loved one may thrive in a new setting with opportunities to enjoy regularly scheduled activities<\/a>, salon services, and entertainment!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider using your caregiving skills in a different way. <\/strong>It\u2019s important to acknowledge all the skills you learned along the way as a family caregiver. You know how to make someone feel comfortable, manage their medications, and keep things organized. These are valuable skills and experience. Consider sharing what you learned. Here are two ways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n