When my aging mother said, "promise me you won't put me in a nursing home," it was hard for me to understand her thinking. In a nursing home she would have meals, no housework, nothing to do but eat and sleep. But the things she was used to would be gone... The surroundings she was familiar with would never be there again. Therefore, I promised her I would never put her in a nursing home. She passed away January 10, 2017, at the age of 96, in her apartment, with all her belongings in tact. There is nothing wrong with nursing homes or assisted living facilities, but to a senior, "there's no place like home". This is apparent of the residents in the assisted living facility my daughter-in-law works in by the look on their faces, the conversations about the homes they left behind, and their comments how they long to be back at home. That's where they are the happiest. I want to ease your load by being there for you whether it is an hour or two a week, or more, or less. Whatever works for you, works for me. The promise I made to my mom will be carried on with your loved one. Let's talk soon.
