Transition to live-in caregivers

I have interviewed 6 potential candidates as live-in caregivers, and I think I’ve found the two perfect ladies for my mom!

One of them came over for a try-out a couple of days ago and she and my mom got along splendidly. She’s a sweet, bubbly young woman who seems very smart and motivated. She has accepted our offer and we’re signing the papers this week.

The other woman is a bit older, and just as lovely. She has a lot of experience with dementia and seems to really know her stuff. We’ve scheduled a try-out for Monday, and I hope she accepts our offer to work for us as well. With these two ladies caring for my mom, I know she will be in good hands.

This is all a bit overwhelming for my mom right now, and I feel badly that it has been making her anxious again. Fortunately her medication has been successful in preventing the all-out panic attacks that she has previously suffered, but I can imagine it must be quite confusing and worrying for her. Change is so hard for her to handle. But I am certain that as soon as AC and I move out and the two new caregivers establish a routine with her that she will be very happy and comfortable.

Our new place is only a few minutes away, so we can still respond quickly to emergencies and keep tabs on how things are going. I am hoping to work out an ongoing schedule of responsibilities with my siblings so that we can all check on things and maintain contact.

That said though, I must admit I need a hiatus from “mom stuff” as soon as we move! After a nice a break, I’ll gladly get back into things, but I’ve had ten months of very difficult involvement with my mom’s illness and care, and I need and deserve some time to concentrate on myself and my own growing family.

…yes, I said "growing family"! Me and AC are expecting our first baby in January! We’re totally thrilled and very excited to focus on establishing our own life together again.

My mother is very happy to be having another grandson, but she’s had so many already that I’m not sure it’s such a big deal this time around. However, she adores babies and I’m looking forward to seeing her hold him and get to know him. Babies always make her so happy.

Since getting pregnant, it’s been an even bigger challenge balancing my mom’s schedule and appointments and dealing with her moods while I’m having hormonal changes of my own, being a lot more tired, and managing so many extra appointments of my own.

Needless to say, having a baby makes it even more impossible to remain being my mom’s live-in caregiver. The timing for hiring her own live-in caregivers couldn’t be better. I feel certain that this change will be very good for all of us!