When you can no longer keep an Alzheimer's person in his/her own home due to the rigors of caregiving, take a look at some of the smaller state-licensed homes that cater to those with AD. WIth only six residents and in a real home--not a large facility with long hallways and many doors, it is like living at home. The routine of the home as well as having the same caregivers day in and day out who know the resident's behavior patterns as well as health conditions is most helpful and allows medical care involvement sooner than if in a larger home and one of many residents. Both have their advantages but be sure to visit the smaller homes in your area to determine what would be best for your loved one.
When the disease gets to the last two stages - they may not remember anything. I take care of my husband with AD and sometimes he will ask me to take him home. All I say is, we are home. Home is the best place for them until they forget almost everything. But sometimes it never goes that far. They can die from something else. For my husband I will keep him until I can't control what he does. In the last stage of this disease I have been told they can get nasty and very mean. If he gets to that point I will have no other choice but to put him in a home.
That's the question my sister and I asked ourselves when our mom was diagnosed. If my parent's house wasn't 2 story, we would have kept her and our father there--but for safety reasons we had to move them. If it is safe, the best place to be is at home in familiar surroundings..but if not, I agree with the other suggestions above..bring items from home to their new place..and allow them the time to adjust.
Hi Presley, As the disease progresses, an AD patient is forced to rely more and more on long term memory because the ability to absorb and retain new information is diminished. This makes any new experience--even as simple as switching on the lights in the new home--difficult. If the average person has difficulty adjusting to new surroundings and people, it is 10 times harder for the AD patient. The decision to move an AD patient from their home to Assisted Living should be the last resort if family and professional caregivers can be brought to the home. This is usually more beneficial to the AD patient and less expensive than 24/7 Institutional care. You will find insightful info on this at the Alzheimer's Association webpage.
Familiarity is the way to go. If she cannot remain at home-then you might consider taking to her things that she will recognize-like pictures, furniture, etc. The one thing I was advised NOT to bring was a mirror, as she may not recognize herself.....I hope this reply is of help to you.
Once it becomes a safety issue a move is necessary. Many Memory Care communities specialize in consistency in their day and that allows them a calm environment. The move is always a stressful time but in a short time they do become used to the new place and the regular rythm of their day. Dont leave them home alone even though it is familiar, move them into a community able to give them a great quality of life with lots of activities and keep their mind active.
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As the disease progresses, an AD patient is forced to rely more and more on long term memory because the ability to absorb and retain new information is diminished. This makes any new experience--even as simple as switching on the lights in the new home--difficult. If the average person has difficulty adjusting to new surroundings and people, it is 10 times harder for the AD patient. The decision to move an AD patient from their home to Assisted Living should be the last resort if family and professional caregivers can be brought to the home. This is usually more beneficial to the AD patient and less expensive than 24/7 Institutional care. You will find insightful info on this at the Alzheimer's Association webpage.
Kathy