Some caregivers may be keeping promises to parents or spouses that they would never “put them away.” That’s a noble intent, and it’s a blessing when you can fulfill such a promise. However, in spite of our best efforts to stop by my Mom’s more often, stay longer, do more of what was needed, etc., the day came when our family accepted that we could no longer care for our mother on our own. It was unsafe to leave her alone, and no one was in a position to leave their jobs or move her in with them. We would have to partner with some type of nursing facility for her care.
We relied on help from Mom’s doctor to tell her that we had to find a placement for her right away so that she was safe. We did our research, met with directors, and had tearful tours of several facilities that had an Alzheimer’s unit. The one we selected arranged for Mom to come in for lunch; she thought it was social, but it was actually an assessment. We let her see another facility the same day so that she was a part of the decision-making process. Thankfully, she also selected the first one.
When the time came to move her in, we felt pretty much felt like parents on the first day of school. We were reluctant to walk away and leave her with strangers. Yet, we chose to not feel guilty for having to place her. We were not turning our backs on her, but became regular visitors who got involved in the center’s activities as well. Everyone’s situation is different; so not everyone will need to or be able to partner with an assisted living facility for the care of a loved one. But if that day comes for you, think about my mother’s words, “I’m not happy about it, but I accept it.” In time I learned to let go of the emotion and accept it as well.
Care For The Caregiver 
I just wept last week when dear friends followed pretty much the same steps you describe. An Alzheimers care facility was absolutely needed for safety and the primary care physician helped pave the way. This helped the wife and daughter immensely. Happily, the staff introduced the dad to his roommate and he began chattering away. May God bless him in this new place. Praying for grace for them all in this transition.
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Thanks for the response, Carol. I’ll be praying for them as well. It’s a tough, but necessary decision to make sometimes. And the challenge is to let go of the guilt and see this as another level of caregiving.
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Your mother was so blessed to have such incredible children look after her at such a difficult time.
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Thanks, Lynn. We constantly looked at it as a way to honor our mother, so that helped.
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