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I have been intrigued by Sandra Day O'Connor's announcement that the reason that she stepped down from the U.S. Supreme Court was due to her husband's battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Which brings me to a question - have you (or someone else you know) had to change your life's priorities due to having to take on caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease?
I see that no one has replied to your question from a few months ago and I just joined to get some help and support from others. So, I've been reading and thought I'd comment. I'm making a change in my life because of my mom's diagnosis of Alzheimer's. I will be moving away from my children and grandchildren for the first time ever. Thankfully, it's only a few hours away and not clear across the country. Mom is in assisted living, but has seemed to decline so rapidly since moving in. It's a lovely place, she loves it there, but she wants me to see her more and be closer. Now that I realize what is going on and that one day she may not know me (she's 88 and in okay health for her age), I want to be closer to her. I have to quite my job which took me four years to build. My mom was always there for me and now it's my turn. But, I'm still a little scared and sad because I have always wanted to see my grandchildren grow up.
I've found my priorities changing all through my life. Kathygram, you've got quite a challenge. I think we are all torn, a lot of the time. I had a child with health problems (chronic and lifelong) along with all of my eldercare. It so often seemed like I was giving someone less, when I gave the others more. It was always a balancing act. You are right that your Mom won't recognize you as time goes on, and you are doing what seems right for you. It takes courage to walk away from a job that took you four years to build, but if it feels right to you, then you need to do it. With a heart like yours, I'm sure you'll be close to your grandchildren, as well. Life has many twists and turns, and we can never see around the corner.
You will have your lifetime to be with your children and grandchildren. I know that you may miss some big things but you will find a way to be there when it really counts. I am so impressed with your decision to be with your Mom. My Dad is 92 and living in a nursing home which he really likes and so I make it a point to go everyday to have lunch with him. I have also sort of put my life on hold so that I can be there for him now when he really needs a connection with family. My Mom meets him for dinner every evening and so we keep the communication going. I have seen so many people at this nursing home who have no visitors at all and they just look so sad and lonely. I know the staff at the home try their best, but it is not the same as having a loved one be there so they won't feel forgotten.
