Moving an alzheimers/dimentia resident
Three days ago I moved my Mom from Assisted Living to the secured alzheimers/dimentia floor. She has been living in this facility for 1 1/2 years. Mom seems to be even more confused and restless now. Could this change cause a rapid progression of her disease or could she be in a "transition" period and will return to the level she was at before the move? I'm wondering now if I've made the right decision. Seems many of the people on this floor are further progressed than my Mom and maybe this was too soon. It was just getting very difficult to manage in the assisted living area and I feared for her safety, especially at night when there is limited staff around. Has anyone gone through this that could give me some insight?
You would have had to do it sometime, and it could have been worse then. The transition is hard for her, so her dementia seems worse. Likely, she'll soon adjust to her new surroundings and then she'll seem more like herself.
If she was getting to where she could have wandered off from the AL, and they weren't set up for that, you definitely needed to do what you did. Many of the others in her new unit may be in later stages, but others will come in, too, who are more like your mom.
Please don't feel guilty about the move. You did what you felt was best, and it sounds like it was the best thing you could do.
Carol
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Hi J
Your Mom's response to being moved is a very common one. In the next few days/weeks you should see how she adjusts to her new surroundings. The staff, her fellow residents, the layout of her room, the dining area, the noise levels, everything is going to be different and new for her, so it will take her a while to feel comfortable and less anxious about that.
Have you been able to move many of her belongings, familiar objects with her? If you are worried do speak to the staff. See if there is anything they can suggest that may help in her transition.
A few extra visits may help. If she feels that you know and feel happy there if may help her feel less anxious. But do remember, you placed your Mom there for her safety and for more attention and care.
All my best wishes to you
Christine
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Christine Kennard
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Sounds to me as though your Mom is very lucky to have you as her daughter
Christine
My mother also experienced similar issues as your mother (and we ended up moving her twice within the nursing home due to remodeling issues). Both times, she rebounded mentally, although some other residents who had Alzheimer's did not. Perhaps this column which I wrote will help you:
http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/42/2332/day-smooth-loved
Take care and keep us posted!
Dorian
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j
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I too am hoping my Mom rebounds mentally and will continue to be with her every day through this transitition. Today I feel better that this move was appropriate and necessary. Some of the caretakers from the assisted living area have been visiting Mom daily on their own. Mom is a treasure to many of these young girls. She continues to hug and is so loving to those she is familiar with. Many of the new caretakers have talked with me and really seem sincere that they want my input to help Mom as best they can when she is anxious. Day by day Mom seems more comfortable and I am feeling more relieved.
Thank you again for your support and understanding.
Jan
Dorian Martin
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 09:08 AM
I'm really happy to hear that things are getting better for both your mom and you. It sounds like she's in a very good situation as far as having staff who care about her and who make the extra effort.
Please do keep us posted on your mom's progress!
Dorian
We just moved my Dad on Thursday from AL to Memory Care in another facility. He is very restless and trying to "escape". He is anxious anyway and the confusion exacerbates his anxiety disorder. We are visiting frequently. I was relieved to read your stories that this will get better. Thanks
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Mom has been in her new suite on the ahlzeimers/dimentia unit for a week now. I moved her bed, furniture, pictures and treasures and put everything exactly as they were in her AL suite. She even brought her huge, black cat to her new home. She absolutely adores her cat and although the staff had reservations they allowed Mom to keep him as long as he is cared for by Mom or me. Mom loves her new suite which is a little larger and the view out her window is extraordinary. I am with Mom every day for several hours and have asked the caretakers to offer Mom lots of reassurance, hugs and patience when she is anxious and I am not there. They seem to be doing really well with her and have told me that Mom is adjusting easier than they thought. She is out of her room and talking with the other residents much more right now. She is restless but peaceful. This move was so difficult and I'm exhausted but I realize now that this is what was best for my Mom. Thank you for your support and guidance.....I look to this site for help and reassurance myself. Again, thank you.