My mom was supposed to go to a Senior Nursing Facility. When they arrived to transport her there, she reused to go because she won't leave her dogs! We had talked about this for several weeks and all along she said she understood she needed care. She does have short term memory loss, and I worried if she would remember these conversations. We don't live in the same state, and because of my medical issues, I can't take care of her. She can no longer perform activities of daily living, let alone take care of her dogs. What can I do?
They love you unconditionally, they comfort you, you can tell them your troubles, and they never judge you.
It's not something easy to say good-bye to your best companions and walk away. Even when a person has dementia.
Make an arrangement with the nursing home for your mother to be able to visit her dogs weekly.
There are volunteers who actually do this. I had a friend who did volunteer work as a companion to the elderly. A person like this will take her to visit her dogs.
Some facilities allow dogs to "visit". They have to have special permission and be with a handler though.
Do a little research and I'm sure you'll be able to find people who will help with your mother still being able to see her dogs.
Anyway to check out some facilities near to you that allow pets? Or maybe a private home in her area where she could live with her pets?
How many dogs does she have? What provisions can be made for them if she can’t take them with her?
Is she competent to make her own decisions and does she have resources to provide for her pets?
Where did the dogs come from? Many shelters and rescues require notification or return if the animals they place need to be rehomed. If she can afford it, a donation would be appropriate.
So what arrangements are made for the dogs?
And if there is no short term memory, who is POA and who is willing to get guardianship if needed in order to protect the safety of Mom?
Too much missing here, and I can imagine myself unwilling to leave as well.