Recently lost dad. Mom has mild/moderate dementia and has always loved cats and has had many cats over the years ( married for 61 years). Due to dementia she can no longer stay alone. None of us can take her and the cats - all 4 children would love to have her but for various serious reasons none can take the cats. She said she would die if she had to give up her cats. I understand. We found a beautiful AL facility that takes cats and they are very welcoming. OK here is the venting: She always worries if the cats have been fed and if they are safe but the dementia makes it very hard for her to actually remember to consistently feed them and give them fresh water. Dad did everything so now she will need to take care of these cats. I know AL facility will help in reminding her and I know pets are very very comforting but what about understanding that the care that goes with them is so important that it would be better to find them a good home ??? For now - she is moving into the assisted living with her cats and we will see ... I have not even mentioned the cat pan.
I wouldn't worry about the cats if I were you. If they become an issue, the AL will let you know and you can cross that bridge if/when you get there. In the meantime, your mother gets to keep her beloved friends so it's all good. None of what's happening here is 'ideal' by any stretch of the imagination, since dementia is such a rotten thing to be saddled with. Anything that can be done to ease your mother's transition into the ALF is a good thing!
Wishing you the best of luck!
See how it goes with the cats for a limited time frame then I second the idea of finding new homes for them.
Best wishes to you and your mom.
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