So...the situation with my mom has changed. The original plan was to live between 2 homes three states away. I rented out my home for 2 1/2 years and now we are at my home. So.....as her Alzheimer's has worsened I see that this plan will not work anymore and the dread of future permanent living arrangement is here. Of course, she's homesick and asks me everyday when are we going to her home. I have had drs and counselors explain to her that Change must occur re:living arrangement. We have gone over this for the last 3 years and she is in denial that she is not safe alone, in home care is unaffordable, and it's either my home or a memory center. She is irrational about letting go of her home. I now have the task to remove some of her belongings from her home via my 2 children's help who live near me involving time off from work and preparing home for market. Unsure of how this can be accomplished plus trying to avoid and answer her questions about when is she going home. Any ideas or input to help me through this is appreciated.
You really have no reasonable way to know what she’s thinking, given that the damage to her brain increase day to day.
I’m not sure why “doctors and counselors” would attempt to “convince” a patient with dementia of anything, least of all
something that has been said to her for 3 years!
The reality of her situation is that no matter what she says, those of you who LOVE HER and are RESPONSIBLE FOR HER CARE need to find a new lifestyle for her that will serve her in keeping her safe, while ALSO allow YOU to find a life that will be healthy and nourishing for you.
There really isn’t any other choice. She isn’t “irrational”- she no longer HAS the capacity for rational thought.
For me, a beautiful Memory Care facility with 3 miles of my house was the BEST CHOICE. Would I have preferred to have kept her home, or had her live with me?
ABSOLUTELY. My rational thinking prevailed, and the MC facility proved a haven for her.
Covid is and was a disaster, but slowly we are emerging from some of its terrible effects as well.
Trust yourself to make decisions from your heart, always ALWAYS based on what you head is telling you.
If she can only be safely cared for and can only afford MC or care in your home, you need to make the decision and tell her that this is the plan.
"That's not one of the choices, mom". "The doctors say that you can't live alone any longer". " Now it's time to move to a senior apartment".
Yes, she may be upset. The fact that she isn't at home can't be helped, can it?
As PoA you are now operating in your mother's best interest. Do not feel guilty that she doesn't like what you're doing. She can't process it and that's not your fault. Just keep doing your best while making it easiest on the both of you. Blessings!