Guilt

It is common to feel guilty for being embarrassed by the person's behaviour, for anger at the person, or for feeling that you cannot carry on and are thinking about placing him or her in a nursing home.

The decision to move someone you care about or love into a nursing home is a difficult and painful one to make.  Caring for someone with dementia can become a 24-hour occupation and there comes a time when short breaks of respite care will not provide sufficient relief.  Eventually, you risk damaging your own health if you do not consider moving the person to a home, where there's 24-hour help.

You may find it useful to talk to other caregivers and friends about the feelings of guilt.  Just because the person you are caring for goes to a nursing home, it does not mean you give up your caregiver responsibilities.  Indeed, the care home may be grateful for your help at meal- or bathtimes.  Continuing to help in this way will help relieve your feelings of guilt.