This will give you pause.
Having just put my mother in a nursing home, I can relate. After almost 3 years, the strain of caring for my mother became unbearable. She needed 24/7 looking after and I was afraid to leave her alone.
It's painful to turn them over to strangers, but it was my only way of surviving. She is very happy to have all the attention. Everytime I visit, she thanks me over and over for bringing her there. But it's still hard to visit, knowing she doesn't know who I am.
I don't regret the time I spent with her, but there is no way one person can do that job alone - or even with a whole family - somebody always has to be with them.
I gave up my career in 1999 to take care of my sick parents. I was 40 years old. really was on the fast track..had just landed my dream job. It's now almost seven years later and my full time job is taking care of my bedridden mother. Are there times I feel a little "unhappy." I won't lie...there are times. Do I regret any of it...NOT ONE MINUTE.