Question 282 – Is it a problem to place an elderly mother with dementia in a nursing home?

Interview Organization: The Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher Wendt
Date: May 13, 2024
It depends on your family situation. Ideally, keeping your parents at home is natural and humane, as previous generations did, with helpers if possible. It's not a sin to seek other options, but you should visit them regularly, offer spiritual support, and pray with them when you can.
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Transcript:

Well, it depends on your situation, particularly your family situation. If you are unable to care for them in a more concrete way, it’s better to keep your parents with you, as this is more natural and human. This is what generations have always done, keeping their parents at home. If possible, you can also have helpers or caregivers who can assist 24 hours a day, if you have the means to do so. It is not a sin. If there is no other good solution, it’s important to visit them every day, or at least very frequently, and provide spiritual assistance, praying with them and being as present as you can. This is so important. As a principle, it is not forbidden, and it depends on your personal situation. It’s generally better to keep your parents with you if possible.