DH is going to MC and I am not OK
I’ve been quiet for a while and my DH has gotten much worse in the past 6 months after having back surgery and spine injections without any pain relief. Naturally, this along with the pain pills have caused him to go downhill. He is solidly in stage 6 of vascular dementia (eight years into this journey). Our grown kids had an intervention with me several weeks ago that it is time for him to go to a facility. I picked a really wonderful one, central to our grown kids and myself. I am not doing well with any of this. It’s been really hard on me. The kids insisted for my mental health and theirs, it was time. We have a vacation home, I took him there with a caregiver, and we are now back home and time is nearing for me to take him to his new home. I am gut-wrenched over this. I don’t want to be apart from him. I have full time caregivers in the home but not overnight and there are issues all the time now. The house is dangerous for him and it has just come time to place him where he is safe and secure 24/7. I’m really, really struggling. I feel like I am sending him away because I can’t deal with it (I can’t) and then I will suffer being alone in our home. I did okay when he was in rehab but I always knew he was coming home. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or advice for me? I hate that I can’t handle this with maturity, class and grace. I’m a weepy mess. 😢😭 🙏🏼
Comments
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Keep reminding yourself that you are doing this FOR him and not TO him. This can also describe this for yourself. What good will this do your DH if you are incapacitated by stress and /or medical issues of your own? Listen to your children. They want the best for you both and you are not in a frame of mind to make the decision on your own.
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Great way to put a healthy perspective on it. Thank you! 😊
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Hi 4my❤️
I am thinking of you. ❤️
jht
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I went through all the same feelings when I placed my DH. It was SO hard and I cried a lot also. You’ve made the right decision. Write down all of your reasons and read them when you begin to doubt yourself. It’s hard but you will adapt. The first couple of weeks were tough but bearable. Once I became comfortable with the care he was receiving I did much better. The stress relief I felt for myself was HUGE - even though I was stressed about him being there, it became apparent how many things in our life had changed, had been given up, or had been made harder as his disease progressed. Living alone takes some time to get used to so I keep busy, get exercise, reconnect with friends, etc. It’s not all rosy but there are a lot of happy times still.
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You are also going this for your kids. They don’t want to lose you too and a large number of caregivers die before their spouses. You will still be your spouse’s advocate. You will still be involved. But your kids will get you back in their lives because you will have time for them too.
5 -
thank you!
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This is so helpful to me, thank you!
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I thought I replied to you but in case I didn’t, thank you so much, this is helpful especially to know that I am not the only one that is dealing with it (or has dealt with it) this way
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You are so right, quilting. Thank you so much!
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I felt the same way when I had to place my DH. He settled in well and was well cared for and safe. Wait a couple of weeks before you visit the first time to let him settle in. When you visit go at meal time and when you leave don’t say goodbye, just quietly slip out and let the nurse know so she can distract him with a treat. It will help him not be anxious. His safety and care is the most important thing. You are still his primary caregiver with a different role. You are doing this for both of you. Get some rest. Hugs. 💜
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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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