We admitted Mom to a long-term care facility Friday

[MissMillie]

My Dad, who will be 88 on Thursday, conceded that he can't take care of her any more.

Ever since she broke her ankle, she has become increasingly difficult and sometimes even violent. She fights us all over wearing the boot that the doc says she must wear, and is constantly trying to get up--on her own--without wearing it. If she were to fall again, it's anyone's guess as to how she could injure herself.

My oldest sister had been staying with them around the clock, but she can't do that indefinitely.

The nursing home has a dementia ward, and has a reputation for providing good care. It is about 7 or 8 miles away, and since Dad still drives he can visit as often as he likes.

All of us feel as though this is the most difficult thing we've ever had to do. Even though it's been done, there is still a very high stress level for us as we grapple with Mom's confusion over why she cannot come home.

Of course, I will visit her regularly, and I still intend to cook for my Dad a few times every week. I think that even though he doesn't have to be her primary care-giver, he still needs us all very much.