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Heartbroken

I’m sitting here in the early morning barely able to breathe with grief. Tomorrow I’m taking my precious DH to his new home at a beautiful memory care facility. I just pray he’ll have peace and contentment in his new home. If any of you are prayer warriors please just pray that my sweet Tommy is safe and happy. He’s not who he used to be. He doesn’t always know me and he can be ornery with me which he never was before. I’m just hoping to remember who he was in our 30 years together.

Comments

  • Karen711
    Karen711 Member Posts: 80
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    Member

    praying for you💕

  • Joe C.
    Joe C. Member Posts: 964
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    I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

  • mrahope
    mrahope Member Posts: 536
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    Hoping it's a smooth transition for you both.

  • fmb
    fmb Member Posts: 400
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    Member

    Lifting both of you in prayer. ((Hugs))

  • Denise1847
    Denise1847 Member Posts: 852
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  • M1
    M1 Member Posts: 6,788
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    let us know how it goes. You will survive this. Our 30th anniversary is this month too.

  • Kat63
    Kat63 Member Posts: 70
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    Member

    Prayers for Tommy and you.

  • White Crane
    White Crane Member Posts: 882
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    Member

    Holding you and your Tommy close in prayer. Please let us know how you are doing and how your Tommy is doing.

  • easy23
    easy23 Member Posts: 212
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Comments 25 Care Reactions 25 Likes
    Member

    I'm praying for you and your DH. I hope things go smoothly! Hang in there!

  • ghphotog
    ghphotog Member Posts: 674
    500 Care Reactions 500 Comments 100 Likes Second Anniversary
    Member
    edited August 7

    It will be hard, the hardest thing you've probably ever had to do but many times these choices are made for us by things beyond our control and everything about this disease is beyond our control.
    We get a break from caregiving but the heartbreak doesn't go a way.

    I see my DW almost every day. She hasn't really adjusted to MC and she's been there nearly 6 months now. I've seen how things can be in an MC facility. I'm grateful that the staff at her MC really seem to be caring people that actually care about what they are doing other than just a job but I've also seen conflict between residents. At times almost physical. That always concerns me and it scares my DW because she doesn't understand what's going on but senses the hostility, however, the staff are good at difussing and separating those individuals, just like children. They can get on each other's nerves just like all of us.
    The heartbreaking part is how we are forced to place them because they are beyond our ability to care for any longer on our own. I can't lift my wife in and out of a wheelchair to potty, go to bed, feed her or get her in and out of the car safely any longer. Knowing they are being cared for by strangers and for the most part are there day and night without us, feeling alone and scared, my DW anyway.

    She is safer in MC. They always keep her clean. They always treat her with compassion and kindness. It takes a special person to do that job day in and day with compassion and I'm grateful for them.

  • marier
    marier Member Posts: 61
    Sixth Anniversary 25 Likes 25 Care Reactions 10 Comments
    Member

    I am praying for you and Tommy today. Please keep us posted on how it goes for You and Tommy.

  • Beachfan
    Beachfan Member Posts: 797
    Sixth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    After 53 married years and 11 1/2 years of caring for DH at home, he was placed in MC in November, 2021. He no longer knew me, the kids, the grandkids, where he was, or why. He was well cared for and well loved for 17 months until he passed in April, 2023. I loved him dearly and miss him with all my heart. But I have no regrets; he is okay, I am okay. You can do this. I am a woman of faith; my prayers go with you. Stay strong and cherish the time you have together. 💕💕

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 967
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    Member

    I know how you feel. I placed my dear husband Lonny in Memory Care in January. Praying for your strength and for Tommy to adjust well. My husband did well at both facilities until recently when his disease seems to be progressing more rapidly. You are making the right choice for you and for him. Also praying for his caregivers at the facility. Cherish the memories you have of your wonderful years together. Hugs. 🙏

  • Lkrielow99
    Lkrielow99 Member Posts: 61
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    Member

    my love to you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I’m not there yet. This sucks.

  • Mint
    Mint Member Posts: 2,748
    Eighth Anniversary 2500 Comments 250 Likes 100 Care Reactions
    Member

    prayers for you and Tommy.

  • DMJohnson
    DMJohnson Member Posts: 8
    First Comment
    Member

    Keeping you and your Tommy in my heart! saying big prayers - it will all go well and God will give you the strength to get through this. I know he will - Big tight hugs being sent to you - and prayers. Please post how you and Tommy make out.

  • Elshack
    Elshack Member Posts: 243
    Third Anniversary 100 Comments 25 Care Reactions 25 Likes
    Member

    Saying prayers for you and Tommy. Know that this is the best decision for both you and him.

  • M1
    M1 Member Posts: 6,788
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    Will be thinking of you today. Post when you can.

  • harshedbuzz
    harshedbuzz Member Posts: 4,479
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    Thinking of you in this painful task.

    HB

  • dayn2nite2
    dayn2nite2 Member Posts: 1,135
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    Member

    I am going to tell you that it may be harder than when he leaves this world. But you WILL get through it and know that you aren't doing anything TO him, you are doing it FOR him. He will be safe and cared for by people who are more well-rested than you have been, and you will become an effective advocate for his care and you will be more patient and able to handle his difficulties with more grace. He will be fine. You will need time to adjust to the new normal, but you will be able to sleep at night knowing he is safe.

    You may not believe it, but the facility will become like home to him, it has a structure and he will do better with that structure.

  • LindaLouise
    LindaLouise Member Posts: 100
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    Member

    Prayers for you and your Tommy. I was so tired when I placed by beloved DH (my Tom) of 47 years 3 months ago- and after the initial relief and sleep, the grief found its way in. I know he is in the right place and is calmer and more content daily, but being on my own was and is so hard and sad! He was part of everything I've done, cooked, built, traveled to and planned for since I've been 20 years old and everything in our home is a part of our life together. It is much harder than I thought and think often about bringing him home - but then remember how hard it was and why I placed him. What I miss is who we were, not who we are today. I just hadn't had time to process or grieve prior to having some time by myself. Prayer helps so much - the peace, the knowing that God is in control even when we don't understand. This helps me sometimes: "In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33.

    .

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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