DrRoberta Dear Dr. Roberta,
I feel so guilty because my mother has to go into a nursing home. I am an only child and I work full time and have 3 children and a husband to take care of. My mother cannot be alone during the day so we have no choice. But, now I’m so upset that I can’t sleep. Am I a bad daughter?
Guilty, Maryland
Dear Guilty,
Actually, you are a good daughter if you have taken the time to check out the various nursing homes and assisted living facilities that are available. Find one that seems just right for your mom. Be sure it is near you or some others who will be able to drop in and visit. Eliminate the homes in which residents don’t seem happy or well cared for. In the right residence your mom will receive just the right nutrition, medical care, social interaction, and supervision. She would be lonely at home all day when you are at work and she would not get the daily stimulation at home that a facility provides.
– Dr. Roberta
