← Return to Introductions: Are you caring for someone with dementia?

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@meg4434

My MIL age 78 has Alzheimer's and is in an assisted living home ( Alzheimer's side). She has fallen several times and is now in a wheelchair.
She fell again this morning in the bathroom and is now in the ER.
My question (s) is ( are) :
Should her children look at seeing if the falls are from the disease or possible strokes?
What are other types of facilities are available as this disease progresses?
She does not get any physical or occupational therapy at this new place ( Arbor Terrace Morris Plains NJ), is that usual?
The facility suggested getting her an aide - are there specific nursing homes for Alzheimer's patients? How do I find them and secondly how do I know the level and quality of care that they offer?

I'm the daughter in law and my opinions don't always matter to my brother in law or sister in law even though I have friends who have gone through this with their parents. My husband does value what I say but his sister thinks she knows everything & she doesn't share pertinent information with my husband. My brother in law tries to but his position requires international travel quite often. My husbands sister lives in CT and we are 15 minutes from the assisted living facility. Very complicated to say the least. Any advice that I can share with my husband would greatly be appreciated.
Her strain of this disease seems very aggressive - moving quickly to say the least.
Thank you in advance for your advice and support.

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Replies to "My MIL age 78 has Alzheimer's and is in an assisted living home ( Alzheimer's side)...."

Hello @meg4434 I am Scott and it is nice to e-meet you here. I am glad you found Connect. Here you will find you are not alone in this journey.

Nursing home laws very by State and what each home offers in the way of services can vary greatly.

Sadly mobility can be a difficult factor in dementia patients. It frequently continues to degenerate as the disease continues. When it comes to PT-OT again, it will vary by facility, but rarly, in my experience, is it offered when a terminal disease is in the advanced stages. As to hiring an aide, that again will depend on the facility. I have seen some very costly ones which still require aides, and the have to be paid in addition to the facility cost.

I wish I had some insights into family dynamics when it comes to caregiving, but all I can say is 'speak up for the patient' and if possible encourage your husband to do likewise with his sister. You may also want to get HIPPA authorization so the facility can share care information directly with your husband at least.

Continued courage, strength, and peace!