Doubting The Decision

I am struggling with my decision to place Lizzie in a group home even though I understand this is not carved in stone. If it doesn't work out, I can bring her back home. My greatest concern is possible heartbreak on her part. Have you ever lost someone you loved through a breakup or divorce and hurt so much simply because you missed the person? That's the kind of heartbreak I am worried about. What will I do if she cries because she misses me as she did when I moved to Reno many years ago?

I found this online tonight. I was searching for helpful articles to reassure myself. It's from https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/kpweb/healthency.do?hwid=aa58684


Your options:

Care for your relative at home. Some caregivers also may want to think about part-time care at home with a health aide or a nurse or in an adult day care.

Move your relative into a nursing home or other long-term care.

Key points to remember:

People with Alzheimer's or other dementia need a safe, structured environment. You may be able to provide this at home. In other cases, long-term care in a center is a better choice.

People with dementia usually need more and more care as time goes by. At some point, your relative will most likely have to be moved to a long-term care center.

A care center may offer your loved one some people to talk to, as well as activities and outings. These social contacts may keep him or her active for as long as possible.

Caring at home for someone who has dementia takes a lot of time and work. It also costs money if you hire part-time help. Caring for a loved one at home also may take time away from other areas of your life. Every family has different needs and limits to think about.

By using adult day-care programs and part-time help—whether hired or through family and friends—you may be able to keep your loved one at home longer.

Remember that your own health, both physical and emotional, is as important as that of the person you're caring for.

Deciding to move your relative into long-term care is not a sign of failure in your role as caregiver.