My mom.
I've been a caregiver for my mom since her diagnosis of dementia over 4 years ago. I agonized about the decisions as I wanted her to have as much autonomy and dignity as possible. Taking her car was a big one a year ago. But the biggest was her living alone. First, we added care workers, then her going to "Adult Daycare," but about a month ago, she wandered for the first time, leaving her door not only unlocked but open. She fell and was taken to the hospital. I got a super-speeder ticket driving to the hospital that day. It was time. In my blog read more of the story -but it ended in her going into a Memory Care Nusing Home.
Caregiving is hard and emotional. This guide is written to help others navigate it and also has an audio exercise to help!
A Practical & Emotional Guide for Caregivers Navigating Residential Care for a Loved One
This resource offers a first-person perspective on the emotional and logistical challenges of placing a loved one in a nursing home. It blends personal experience, expert research, and practical advice to help caregivers navigate this transition with clarity, balance, and self-compassion.
Key Takeaways:
Establishing a Healthy Visitation Routine
Learn how often to visit without overwhelming yourself or your loved one.
Balance in-room visits with occasional outings to reinforce stability.
Creating a Comfortable, Personalized Space
The impact of decorating a nursing home room with familiar items.
How small touches can reduce agitation and improve emotional well-being.
Navigating Family Dynamics & Encouraging Visitation
Why family members may avoid visits and how to encourage them to engage.
Setting a structure for shared responsibility in maintaining connections.
Managing Guilt & Finding Balance as a Caregiver
How to shift from primary caregiver to advocate and emotional supporter.
Strategies for setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care.
Expert Insights & Honoring Dr. Debra Tann’s Work
Recognizing the importance of dementia education and advocacy.
Highlighting Dr. Debra Tann and her organization Debra on Dementia for resources, events, and community support.
Activation Thought Exercise: Supporting the Caregiver
A guided reflection to help caregivers process their emotions, release guilt, and transition to a new caregiving role with intention and self-compassion.
Final Message:
This guide reassures caregivers that placing a loved one in a nursing home is not an act of abandonment—it is a decision made with love and wisdom. By setting healthy boundaries, staying present without overextending, and embracing their new role, caregivers can ensure their loved ones are cared for while also reclaiming space for their own well-being.
If you're navigating this journey, you are not alone—and there are resources, like Dr. Debra Tann’s organization, that can help you along the way. ❤️
https://www.caseycolecorbin.com/blog/selfcare