The Living-at-Home Challenge for Alzheimer’s Patients
“I’d never send my Mother (or father, or spouse) to a nursing home,” is a statement I sometimes hear. “I promised I never would.”
However, we never know until we’re faced with the decision. I cared for my mom in her home, then ours. Finally I had to make that decision and place her in a nursing home when her Alzheimer’s condition became severe. Also, caring for her at home was an impossibility after I broke my back, even if we’d wanted to reconsider.
Mother was well cared for at the nursing home and seemed contented when she became adjusted. “They’re so good to me here,” she once remarked to me.
One of the main challenges of Mother’s continuing to live at home was the inability to get regular at-home help to care for her when my husband or I couldn’t be there. I discovered it was easier to get a sitter for babies and children than it was for an elderly person, especially one who needed special care.
More agencies providing at-home care have evolved since I was caring for my aunt and mother. Inquire at your local Senior Center, the area hospital, a nursing home, and local home health agency for suggestions about at-home care for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Tags: Alzheimers, Alzheimers+home+care, Alznheimers+disease, Care, caregivers, Caregiving, dementia, nursing+home
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POSTED IN: Care, General, Personal Caregiving Experiences
2 opinions for The Living-at-Home Challenge for Alzheimer’s Patients
drytears
Aug 20, 2006 at 4:24 pm
My Grandpa had Alzheimers for 13 years before he passed away, and he lived at home the whole time.
It was really had to take care of him, but we have a very close family and we all took turns sitting with him and caring for him.
Do I think he would have been better off in a nursing home, no. Do some fare better from nursing homes, yes.
While my grandpa’s Alzheimers was severe for may years, we all worked very hard with him and he never got really, really angery or agressive as some people with Alzheimers do.
Nice blog, I just found it. :)
drytears
me
Aug 21, 2006 at 4:11 pm
Thank you for sharing your experiences with your Grandpa. It was wonderful you had many in your family who could take turns caring for him. It’s ideal when the person can stay at home, but this is’t possible in all cases.
I’m pleased you found my blog and like it.
Leave your comments when you have a chance. I’m sure others can benefit from your experiences.
Mary Emma
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