I'm caring for my husband with dementia & Alzheimer's at home, but I am finding that I am unable to care for him as I did before. What is the next step to assure his safety?

A major turning point in caring for mom came when she was released from hospital with undiagnosed nausea problems, and accompanying delusions-insanity. they have me Seroquel for her, which calmed her until it backfired in BIG ways...yikes...and Priolec. Gee, it was acid reflux all along.

Regardless of these circumstances, mom would act crazy along with nausea, so I immediately decided to move us both into the living room, Her hospital bed, the commode, TV table, and of course the TV. I sleep on the couch right beside the bed. The kitchen is just off the living room.

If I hadn't made this configuration, it was nursing home time. It made all the difference.

Other adaptive things I have done was to make a "messy" lock situation for doors (ie, there would be a bunch of ties and chains that look like they tie the closet and front doors closed, but only one actually is the closer. It looks too confusing for the demented person to even attempt.)

I've also used baby monitors when she slept in her own room. I have those motion activated door chimes that have stopped mom from going outside, and a laser activated alarm I could put anywhere. You could aim it a foot ahead of his chair, for instance.

However, the hardest thing I've encountered in caring for mom was the mixture of physical ailments like sinus congestion and her not understanding. She suffered greatly from little annoying problems, so I actually had more problems with "insanity" than with the medical problem.

For some reason, we are over all that for now. I was on the verge of hospice, and then she got BETTER.

The editor is right. Safety is important. There are devices that Phillips carry to help individuals remain at home longer. But eventually your husband will need care emotionally and medically you won't be able to provide. If you feel it's too dificult now you should start visiting Skilled Nursing homes. Many of the homes can be decorated just like home.

Finding the righ place takes time. If you can't leave him alone hire a Home Health company that can stay with him a couple hours a day while you research the Skilled Nursing Homes. This will give you time and help you understand your not alone. Also, check your local news paper for support groups. Many churches now host Alsheimer and Dementia groups.

Best wishes

DeAnna

Have you tried safety devices such as door locks and alarm systems? Those may help to keep your husband safe for now. However, as Alzheimers progresses, as hard as it is to admit, there comes a time when you may not be able to care for your husband at home any longer. When that point comes, to ensure his safety, he needs to be under the supervision of people trained in Alzheimer's care. Some assisted living and nursing homes have special sections for alzheimer's patients. Our thoughts are with you.