My father died in March and he was her caregiver. I have been staying with her in their home, but that is not sustainable financially long term. So, next week, I am moving some of her things to my home so that we can sell her home eventually. How do I make this less traumatic for her?
And it WILL change your relationship. Well, I guess you've already been taking care of her so that shift has already happened. It is sad when mom is no longer mom and you are the new mom and she is....someone that needs to be cared for.
You are new on the site, and perhaps don’t know that many people have had serious problems after moving their mother in with them, and would advise against it if at all possible. Whether you agree or not, it would be a good idea to read a bit more widely about the pros and cons. One thing worth thinking about is to make the arrangement time limited – say three months and then we’ll see how things are working out. Long term promises can lead to a lot of guilt on one side and bitterness on the other. Good luck, and best wishes!