Time for Memory Care

Posted by trishaanderson @trishaanderson, Apr 12 7:08am

I made the decision it’s time for my husband who has advanced Alzheimer's to go to a memory care home, for his safety as well as mine.
It’s frightening for me to wake up to him standing over me and not knowing who I am and wanting me to leave. Sometimes he wants to leave.
My wonderful daughter has done a lot of work visiting and interviewing several local memory care homes. She thinks she has found a good fit that also has availability.
This is by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, and I could sure use some support.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

My cousin also had to be moved, she was always a gentle person, but when her roommate asked for water, my cousin threw a glass of water at her....definitely a progression to aggressive behavior. In some ways, I hope she is not in memory care too long......it is extremely sad for family and friends to see deterioration, I'm not sure what the person themselves feels, I sort of feel she is confused and doesn't know what's going on.

REPLY
@cbisman

Three of them came. One asked me most of the questions about him. Another gave him a short verbal cognitive exam. I have decided to move forward with placing him in Memory care. The hardest part has been making the decision. Now that I have made it, it feels right. He's going this coming Wednesday! He will be safe and taken care of by people who are trained to give this kind of care. There is music playing all the time, and many activities. Most importantly there will be a routine, which will put him at ease. I can see him anytime, and I can take him on outings anytime I want. They suggest I wait 2 weeks though, in order for him to establish a routine.

Jump to this post

Read over some comments by me and others on this site regarding outings. I thought I would be doing that too, but it backfired big time. It throws your loved one off and they have to start all over in becoming acclimated which is distressing. It was really disappointing to not be able to do that. Tread carefully on that path.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.