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Thereishelp Asked August 2023

How do you go about returning to work after placing loved one in nursing home?

I had initially placed my mom in an assisted living facility after having her reside with my husband and I for almost two years. She didn't want to go, and unfortunately, she felt she didn't have a choice. And honestly, neither did I. It was heartbreaking because I always envisioned taking care of her, if necessary. I never anticipated Alzheimer's. Her one request was to have a private room which I accommodated. Much to my dismay, she declined rapidly, was hospitalized, and consequently placed in a nursing home. She did okay in rehab, was in a private room w/bath, had good and bad days with staff, and at the height of her paranoia, would chain call me daily, and berate me in front of staff. I took it in stride because I knew she was safe, eating well and was not opposing my visits. I decided it was time to return to work so I began to disconnect the phone from 10 pm. until 8:30 am. and found myself being able to go to sleep faster knowing the phone wasn't going to ring. Surprisingly as I began to check the phone in the morning, she began to call less frequently and eventually stopped altogether. Because of the need for ongoing supervision when mom lived with me, I had to delay learning how to drive and became limited in employment opportunities. By the grace of God, I prayed for a job where I could work remotely and do what I love - psychotherapy. He recently granted my blessing, and I went from 1 to 15 clients in 4 days! I feel so productive and proud of myself. I realized I would never have been able to work remotely when mom was living with me. It would have been impossible to preserve confidentiality with her constantly demanding my attention. She was also adamantly opposed to outside help or my brother commuting almost two hours to supervise her. My husband and I even went on a trip to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and OUT OF STATE! Hadn't been on a trip for 2 years. And then the hiccup! Nursing home informs me mom must move to a shared room. I literally braced for impact! Then I told myself this shall pass. I can't and will not sink into a well of guilt over failing to meet her request of never sharing a room. It was beyond my control. I told myself this can't be the first time a Rehab patient has transitioned to the Alzheimer's unit. I will trust the staff to monitor her, and I will provide support like I always have. I explained to my brother exactly what I needed from him to make this work. He was more than amenable and proud of me for putting myself first. Mom is doing okay, and most of all, still safe. Who knows maybe this roommate will become her new best friend, or at the very least, someone to talk to. Perhaps the private room contributed to her loneliness and enabled her to withdraw from others and activities. I still disconnect the phone but because I'm home I can make sure to touch base with my mom daily, (twice maximum), and block out time during the week to visit. It's funny, I talk about setting boundaries all the time with my clients and struggled to do it with my own loved one. But boy, was I motivated to change my behavior! I feel so much more confident and empowered. I no longer feel guilty about setting my personal and professional goals. I am also so grateful for the forum. It feels so good to know the support is always there no matter what time of day or night. I am grateful that I am now able to support others through my online therapy practice. I just wanted to share where I am on my journey. Thanks for listening! On another note, I think there should be a topic labeled "Self-Care," (or maybe I missed it?) Sometimes I struggle selecting an appropriate topic.


Blessings to all!

JoAnn29 Aug 2023
Congrats! I think because you have had this experience first hand that you will make a better therapist.
Thereishelp Aug 2023
Thank you for words of encouragement, JoAnn!
funkygrandma59 Aug 2023
What a wonderful story about doing what is best for all involved. Good for you for reminding yourself(and taking action)that you matter too in the caregiving equation.
Thereishelp Aug 2023
Thank you for your kind words!

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anonymous1732518 Aug 2023
Well done and Congratulations on your new job !!🙂.
Thereishelp Aug 2023
Thank you so much for your support and kind words!
NeedHelpWithMom Aug 2023
Congratulations on your new job! So happy to hear that your mom is adjusting to her new surroundings.

It’s inspiring to hear stories like yours. Working remotely is one good thing that came out of the pandemic!
Thereishelp Aug 2023
Thank you for taking the time to respond! I am so glad to have made an impact!
PandabearAUS Aug 2023
Well done to you. Many gold stars. I had/having a very similar journey with my husband BUT I never intended to keep him at home more than I had to. Maybe in Australia I am luckier with the way costs of residential care and supports are costed and available. I do everything on my own. It’s nearly a full time job interacting with all the different supports and govt agencies that are involved. Ive done nothing but fight the system, doctors and professionals for years I had to educate myself on “ how it works “ the amount of people involved in care who are just ignorant or arrogant when dealing with the person in care and family is amazing. The mobile phone was the curse of my life for 4 yrs. So. I gave my LO a specific ring tone, turned it to silent from late afternoon till when I felt like it in the morning. Nothing to have 20 calls a day PLUS the are home constantly contacting me. I just got tough with them all. Of course two years of lockdown here in Victoria AUS didn’t help. Longest lockdown in the world. LO been in care getting close to 4 yrs and I have only recently started to relax.
Thereishelp Aug 2023
Thank you for responding. There were times when the only moments I got to relax were when I was on the forum. Just putting thoughts to paper in real time was cathartic. Prayers up for you and your family!
Socrealtor Aug 2023
Wow! What an awesome and positive report. This care giving can become all consuming and you shared a path to work one's self into a better spot. Thank you.
Thereishelp Aug 2023
Thank you for responding. Glad it helped!

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