She’s Settled In — Maybe

My Husband’s Mother Finally Agreed to Respite. Now For The Next Bit.

Last Sunday, the last day of June, my Mother-in-Law voluntarily, with continual small but pointed protests, entered the very lovely care home we’d chosen for her. My husband, brother-in-law, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

The idea is for her to be there for at least the next two months. For respite. For OUR respite primarily. But also to keep her safe.

For the past year, I’ve been sounding the alarm. We have to get Mum in care for the summer coming. It’s going to be hot. She doesn’t handle the heat. It could be devastating for her. She’s not able to cope. Her cognitive decline is evident for anyone to see.

Yes, her cognitive decline is evident. Her short-term memory is unreliable. She repeats herself. She finds it hard to remember how to do ordinary things. She depended on layers of care to keep herself and her home functioning safely.

She was also becoming more dependent upon her younger son, my brother-in-law. His health problems, already taking a toll on his mental well-being, increased with the added stress and anxiety. My husband and I felt that respite for Mum would be just as beneficial for him. He could have his life back, free of worry for her health and safety for a time.