I have read so many entries suggesting that if you are having difficulties with caring for an elderly parent that it's time to consider a nursing home or assisted living. Sounds so easy but even on the power of attorney form it says it is only valid if 2 doctors declare her unable to make health care decisions. And as long as my mother can speak for herself and says she doesn't want to go to a nursing home then she doesn't have to. They will not admit someone against their will. So that leaves me stuck taking care of her. I love her but it's so demanding. She is 84 has fallen 3 times in last 6 months doesn't cook or clean. I can't just abandon her and let her die or fall. Why can't we just tell the nursing home that we can't do it anymore?
Not long after she fell trying to hide a protein shake on top of the wardrobe so staff wouldn't know she didn't drink it, broke her hip and from that point on she was in a wheelchair, unable to stand alone though, due to the dementia, she often tried to get out of bed, ended up on the floor and was taken to the ER.
There comes a time when skilled nursing care is needed 24/7. No one person can do it alone. In the nursing home my mother was clean, fed and safe and the staff were wonderful.