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Absolutely! While professionals in the field are invaluable for many issues, when it comes to how a caregiver really feels, it's caregivers who know. You are still a caregiver, even though your mother is in a nursing home. You need to drop the guilt - for her and for you. You are a caregiver, only now you have more help.   There comes a time for most of us when we can't do the caregiving 24-hours around-the-clock. It's not safe for the care recipient and it's not healthy for the caregiver. You are important to your mother now, just as before. She will look forward to your visits. You will be her advocate. Make friends with the staff. Visit at different times of day, so that you have a feel for overall care. If you see problems, try to work them out nicely with the staff, if possible. Bring your mom treats she likes, if she can have them. Mostly, just let her know you are there for her and you are watching over her.   Keep coming back here for more support. There's an isolation in caregiving, and many of us live with unearned guilt. We look forward to hearing from you. Carol