Expert: Paula Damgaard - 8/21/2008

Question
paula does it ever get any easier?im really having a bad time with all this. the home had a picnic today .after it was over mom didnt want to go back in . she keeps telling me (ill just go with you) it brakes my heart so bad. how do i sike my self up for these visits ?i dont know what to do. she will be there a week saturday.the longest week of my life.How do people do it for years and years? i know i have alot of questions and im sorry but im going crazy here     thank you sandy

Answer
I wish I could tell you that you will feel "good" about this, but I don't think I can.  I do know that my mom did get used to being there and actually made friends.  She would even sometimes tell me to take her "home" meaning back to her nursing home.  

If you can take a break from going.  Skip a few days to allow her to acclimate to her surroundings.  Maybe she will make friends with others and not be so needy when you are around.  

Just remember it is like sending your 5 year old to kindergarten.  They don't want to go, but they have to.  And didn't we all get used to going to school???

Know you have done the right thing and know that I am thinking about you.  I wish I could help you get through this easier.  Paula