Ruth Langsford, beloved star of Loose Women, has shared the emotional and painful choice she made to place her 94-year-old mum, Joan, in a care home due to Alzheimer’s disease. In an incredibly raw moment on the show, Ruth opened up about the overwhelming “care home guilt” that she has faced since making the decision.
During a candid discussion on Loose Women on April 28, Ruth revealed just how difficult it was to come to terms with the move. “It’s very easy for people to judge when they haven’t been in that position,” she explained. “I’ve been trolled for putting my mum into care, but you’re doing it because you love them and want what’s best.”
And for Ruth, it was not just about making a decision; it was about providing Joan with the best care possible. “If she were with me, it would be lonely because I’m not there all the time,” Ruth admitted. “But at the care home, she’s surrounded by people, activities, and a social environment, which is crucial for someone like her.”
The Loose Women audience was quick to offer support, many viewers empathizing with Ruth’s painful decision. One commented, “It’s always a difficult decision, but it’s made with love,” while another shared, “It really resonated with me… the people who are there 24/7 are the ones who make the hard choices.”
Ruth, who has been open about dementia’s impact on her family, previously shared the devastating news of her father’s battle with Alzheimer’s, which ultimately led to his passing. Her own fears about her health are palpable, as Ruth now grapples with the possibility of the same disease affecting her. She admitted, “Every time I forget something, I think, ‘Is this the start of Alzheimer’s?’”
In the face of these heartbreaking challenges, Ruth has become an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, taking part in the Surrey Memory Walk in 2024 to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, an organization close to her heart. Her dedication to the cause has raised over £64,000 and continues to inspire others facing similar struggles.
While Ruth’s decision has sparked online debates and sparked emotions across social media, one thing is certain: Ruth’s commitment to her mum Joan’s well-being shines through, making an agonizing decision with nothing but love.
