Tell me it will be okay!

I think you need to make it clear that you are happy to help as it's an emergency but that it can only be temporary while things are sorted out. What will happen if your dad also needs this kind of help too? Will there be a property that can be sold if she splits permanently from the abusive partner, are the police involved or have been involved in the past, can the council rehome her or are there any charities or other family and friends who offer help in terms of finances, furniture, counselling etc.

quizqueen excellent advice, I would also add don't let Social Services "bully" you into making the arrangement permanent unless that is what you & DH agree on. It can be a "battle" but worth it if every-one's happy

My lovely mum moved into a retirement village two years ago at 90. I really give thanks that there was a place available and she was up for it as it's given her an absolutely new lease of life after many lonely years without our dear dad. So it can work out and i sincerely hope it works out for you. Big hugs

Hi I know how overwhelming these things are. DH retired at Christmas and we had to make the decision to move my Mother in (she has terminal cancer). DD and GS also live with us. I find it is worse in the middle of the night when I just feel my (our) life is not our own. We have saved for years to be able to travel, now it just seems an unobtainable dream. I feel so guilty for having the odd resentful thought, we love DD and get pleasure from our time with 2yr old GS. Have decided to take pleasure from the little things i.e. a nice glass of wine, cup,of coffee or even escaping to a local restaurant for a couple of hours sending you ???

You could be writing about me. My lovely second husband has been in care now for one month. My four stepchildren have made it clear to me that they no longer wish to contact me. My own children are helping me. This is after 23 years of marriage. I have helped my husband look after this family (their mother went bankrupt) taken them on holidays etc. I only wished to stay in contact out of interest in their lives - money is not a problem and they would not be responsible for me. Hard to accept at aged 83 - still there you go!