If your mother has Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, it may not be possible for you to care for her at home, even if you want to. Caring for someone with dementia is very challenging, especially if they are still mobile and active. Placing your mother in a facility that specializes in dementia care might be the best option from a safety standpoint. Since every patient with dementia is different, your decision will depend on how your mother's condition progresses. However, here are some of the problems that may develop, and if they do, it may be time to place your mother in a skilled care facility.
Aggressive Behavior
At one point in her decline, your mother may develop aggressive behavior. If it comes on early while your mother is still strong and mobile, you may have a difficult time trying to control her. A lot depends on size too. If your mother is taller and heavier than you, she may be able to overpower you, especially when she is having a violent episode. It might be easier for your mother to transition through this phase when she is in a dementia facility where her medications can be tweaked and where she adheres to a set daily schedule.
Sundowning
Sundowning is another condition that goes along with dementia in some people. If your mother develops sundowing syndrome, she will become very active and confused at night. She may do strange or dangerous things such as cut up documents, stuff clothes in the toilet, or break dishes. She could get into the knife drawer, handle household chemicals, or do any manner of things she wouldn't normally do during the daytime. Unless you are physically capable of staying up all night to supervise and protect her, she is probably better off in a facility where she will be safe. At the very least, she should have a sitter or other family member to watch over her at night.
Wandering
People with dementia have a tendency to wander. This can be very dangerous if your mother has the ability to get outside your home. She could keep walking and not have the ability to find her way home. She would be at risk of dehydration in the summer and hypothermia in the winter if she wandered away and got lost. Wandering inside the home can be dangerous too if you have a stairwell. Wandering into the kitchen or bathroom can be dangerous, since a fall in these locations could cause a head injury due to the hard floor and tub or appliances. Facilities that care for people with dementia have lock down units and are set up so the residents can wander without getting themselves into danger. This is one of the primary differences between a dementia care facility and a traditional nursing home.
Physical Care
Dementia is a progressive disease. Your mother may have a rapid decline, but there's also the possibility your mother will live for many years with the condition. Eventually, she will require total care that is physically demanding on you. You'll have to lift her, bathe her, change diapers, and feed her. This will take its toll on you and may even cause physical injuries to your back. It will also be mentally and emotionally draining. Unless you have help, your mother may get better care in a facility. You can still visit and help care for her every day, but you'll be free from heavy lifting and having to wake up several times during the night to re-position her to prevent bedsores.
For more information, contact Alta Ridge Communities or a similar location.
