Those are her babies. I’d feel the same way. I’d live under the bridge before abandoning my pets. Is there a way to find her better care and keep the cats too?
Make sure that wherever she moves to receive better care will allow the cats to come with her. If not, perhaps cleaning up or improving her current home and having a caregiver come is the answer. It is in both hers and the cats' best interest to stay together. (This is if it only a few healthy, vetted cats, and not a hoarding situation. )
It could be both bonding and major dependency, esp as a person ages / loses their independence due to dementia. It is not an easy situation at all. If she is able to care for her cats, by all means, see what alternatives are available. Some of us here ask(ed) for more information about this person. We cannot provide the support / feedback / suggestions that could help w/o knowing more about this person (as we are just guessing).
If she has dementia then I would tell her that the cats will be coming to visit her or maybe even that that cats will be coming to live with her after a month or two when she all settled in. Then find the cats a new home. Do not call animal control or a no kill shelter. The chances of them getting adopted are very small.
If she has dementia, she could be told the cats are coming with her. The ultimate need is for this woman to be safe and well-cared for ... then the cats.
Look into the facilities. There's no mention of where the client is refusing to move to but some assisted living facilities do allow animals. A family member didn't want to move to a facility and finally ended up in one once her niece found out she could keep her cat. The niece had assumed for a long time (several years) that a pet wasn't allowed. Don't assume anything.
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Have you tried to offer ways the client can live at home and receive better care?
Has anyone confirmed your assessment that the client can no longer live at home?
What are the 3 top reasons the client cannot remain at home? What is her condition?
Have you built up trust with your client? Is there a family member who could participate in removing the client from the home/ if in danger?
Maybe you could return and let us know more?
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The ultimate need is for this woman to be safe and well-cared for ... then the cats.
How many cats does she have?
Could you help her to find another home for them if she isn’t able to care for them?
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