While I agree that sometimes for our own health we have to leave a situation entirely, it does have detrimental effects upon the elderly, imo. Younger ppl tend to have other contacts and activities that at some point (hopefully without harming another person) reaches out and grabs their attention.

With the elderly, they often become quite recluse even to the point of not allowing ANYONE into their home and avoiding the telephone. Their quality of life continues in a downhill direction.

Tough Love does enter into it though, imo, where you put YOUR personal feelings and vulnerabilities behind you protected, while you remain firm with what you know is the best thing for the other person.

Another thing I would suggest is that once you make a decision, (which hopefully all family involved could support you in) then give it a time period...a definite week or month that you will try this decision. That way you aren't second guessing yourself day to day as the person begins to try and manipulate you.