“My spouse desires to have his mother live with us.”

As we age, we often find ourselves in the position of having to care for our aging parents.

It’s inevitable to watch your parents who raised you and taught you everything you know about life, age, and not being able to take care of yourself. As the circle of life dances before us, we exchange roles; whereas before we were babies who required 24-hour care, now it is our mothers and fathers who are weak and need protection.

Sending our parents to an assisted living facility still carries a stigma in some communities today. Tenny, a devoted wife, and mother of two, needed advice regarding her mother-in-law’s desire to move into their home due to her loneliness and weakness. We investigated Tenny’s account and the results are here.

Tenny, I appreciate your letter. Bright Side has scoured the internet for some helpful tips that we believe will help you and your husband make decisions and improve your overall life, even if our advice is not medical.

Dementia syndrome is characterized by a decline in cognitive performance that exceeds what would be expected as a result of biological aging. Approximately 10 million new cases of dementia occur each year, affecting 55 million individuals worldwide.

Consider whether you and your spouse want to care for an elderly family member, as it can feel like a full-time job at times.

In 2019, caring for dementia patients took an average of 5 hours a day from family members and friends. Experts also warn against leaving kind-hearted family members without help. According to research, providing attentive care to a loved one with dementia may be more beneficial than medication.

Offer your mother-in-law a choice. Ask about her desires. The right choice for you and your MIL will depend on your awareness of her requirements and preferences. A person with dementia who is forced to move will not adapt as successfully as someone who has had a say in the matter.

The optimal time to move someone with dementia is when they are still stable, so if you and your spouse decide to welcome your MIL into your home, you should know this. This condition makes it increasingly difficult for patients to adapt to new situations as it progresses.

Analyze your husband’s abilities and your abilities to care for the elderly:

Learn more about the circumstances surrounding your MIL. Talk to your MIL’s doctor to further understand the level of care required, but keep in mind that it will inevitably increase over time. Plan. Check if this project can easily fit into both of your schedules. If you have any doubts, it may be a good idea to ask for outside help. Choose. Your mother-in-law may be more independent in the early stages, but over time she may need help with everyday tasks such as walking, showering, and dressing. Talk to him and see if your husband is ready for the long haul. If not, think of others

Caring for an elderly parent requires love, patience, and dedication. It’s not an easy decision, but it can be rewarding and fulfilling. It’s a chance to give back to the people who gave us everything in life. If you are in a situation like Tenny’s, take the time to evaluate your options and make the right decision

Which option would you prefer – moving in with your loved ones or entering a nursing home – when you are older and need daily assistance? Do your parents require care or are they able to take care of themselves? Please tell us in the comments.