Parenting Your Parent to a Nursing Home: Making the Decision Without Guilt
Placing a parent in a nursing home can be a very difficult decision for many families. However, when thought through healthily, this choice regarding placing an elderly parent in a nursing home can offer a solution that improves the quality of life for both the elderly parent and their child. In 2026, 10% of the elderly population in Turkey lives in nursing homes, and this figure increases every year. In this article, we will explain what you need to do to get rid of feelings of guilt and make the right choice when deciding to place an elderly parent in a nursing home.
What is the Source of the Feeling of Guilt?
When the idea of placing an elderly parent in a nursing home arises, many children begin by feeling responsible. In Turkish culture, caring for the elderly at home has been a traditional value. However, today's busy work pace, economic difficulties, and modern living conditions have made it impossible to maintain this tradition in some cases. Before making the decision to place an elderly parent in a nursing home, it is important to understand that the feeling of guilt is mostly unwarranted, but rather a responsible decision.
Evaluations Before Placing Your Parent in a Nursing Home
Determine Your Parent's Care Needs
- Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of their physical and cognitive health status
- Determine their level of independence in activities of daily living
- Check medical care requirements and medication use
- Observe social needs and mental health status
Explore Care Possibilities in the Home Environment
Before the decision to place a parent in a nursing home, home care options should also be evaluated. Alternatives such as home caregiver services, adult daycare centers, or part-time assistance are available. However, these options may vary depending on the severity of the parent's care needs and the work schedule of the child who could spend time with them.
Advantages of Deciding to Place a Parent in a Nursing Home
- Professional Care: After the process of placing a parent in a nursing home, your elderly individuals will be monitored by 24/7 health personnel.
- Social Environment: Nursing homes offer the opportunity to interact and build friendships with people from a similar age group.
- Reduction of Family Stress: Transferring the burden of care to professionals positively affects family relationships.
- Safety and Emergency Management: Modern nursing homes have systems capable of rapid intervention in emergencies involving elderly individuals.
- Activity and Recreation: Regular social events, therapy, and entertainment programs are provided for the elderly.
- Medication Management: Ensuring that medical medications are given at the right time and dose is under professional supervision.
Challenges of Deciding to Place a Parent in a Nursing Home
- Adjustment Period: It may take weeks and months for elderly individuals to get used to the new environment.
- Financial Burden: As of 2026, monthly fees for private nursing homes in Turkey range between 15,000 and 50,000 TL.
- Choosing a Nursing Home: The process of finding a quality and reliable nursing home can be time-consuming.
- Feeling of Low Marital/Relational Satisfaction: Some parents may experience feelings of loneliness and abandonment.
- Legal and Bureaucratic Procedures: Documents such as appointing a legal guardian, seals, and powers of attorney are required.
Practical Tips to Get Rid of the Feeling of Guilt
Be Actively Involved After Making the Decision
After deciding to place a parent in a nursing home, playing an active role in ensuring your elderly relative's adaptation to the nursing home is very important. Make regular visits, communicate with your nursing home, and follow your parent's condition. This will both keep their morale high and help you get rid of the feeling of guilt.
Spend Quality Time with Your Parent
Relieved of the burden of care