My Dmum went into a care home just under 3 weeks ago, and she's finding it tough we think. It's difficult to tell, as she had previously been pretty difficult with dementia, but had a major step down after a health scare/new diagnosis approx. 4 weeks ago, that ended with her being hospitalised twice in a week. She cries whenever she sees anyone she knows and although she calms, she then cries again at intervals throughout any visit. My Ddad is finding it particularly difficult, as he is visiting on most days and stays for a couple of hours but has the same 'when am I coming home' or 'I'll pack my things now' discussions and then the explanation of why she can't come home every time. At home she was distressed, although usually mainly at night. We're all battling with the guilt at her being in the home, as her physical health is much improved after the hospital (chest infection plus new heart failure diagnosis). Dad is I think also still considering whether he wants her in a home, or whether he can get away with overnight help instead. We've gone through the practicalities with him and although he objectively knows the issues, he's still struggling, also due to the fact that the care home is eating all of her savings at a rate of knots, which he absolutely hates.
Does this improve, in your experience; is it settling or is it just the new reality of her condition? She was diagnosed with middle stage alzheimers in 2024 (and had easily been at that stage for for 4 years or more), although since last month (pre care home), has significantly dropped on the memory, comprehension and is now losing weight and with occasional speech difficulties, such as difficulty with pronunciation.
I suspect that this is a nigh on impossible question to get a conclusive answer on, but if anyone has an experiences that might help, that would be good to read. Many thanks all.