7 Ways to Know When Alzheimer’s Means Leaving Home

Alzheimer’s disease can be managed at home for many years. And that’s good, because maintaining stability in their living quarters brings a measure of calm to a person with cognitive impairment. There are many ways to make the home safer for people with Alzheimer’s, but at some point there may come a time to consider moving them to a facility that can take better care of them.

The following 7 questions can help you know when that time has come:

1. Does your loved one become disoriented or wander?

Both these behaviors are common in people with Alzheimer’s. If your loved one cannot be relied upon to stay in the home, it is a sign that they are no longer safe at home.

2. Do they withdraw, become depressed, or agitated when left alone?

If so, they need to be in a setting where they have constant companions.

3. Do they attempt activities that they should not do when by themselves?

The activity might be as simple as cooking, which is a danger for anyone with cognitive impairment. Or it may be a hobby they always enjoyed, like sewing or woodworking. With Alzheimer’s, these hobbies should only be done with supervision. If your loved one consistently tries to do any of these on their own, they pose a risk to themselves and others.

4. How do they react to stress?

If they become confused or behave unpredictably when feeling stressed, it is another sign that living at home poses a danger.

5. Are they aware of danger?

People with Alzheimer’s are often unable to interpret what they see, and may not react appropriately to a dangerous situation, such as a fire.

6. Do they know what to do in an emergency?

The appropriate response to any emergency will vary. It might be as simple as calling a friend or family member, or as complex as leaving the house and calling 911 from a neighbor’s home.If your loved one cannot determine what the appropriate response is to an emergency, they are not safe
at home.

7. Are they happy at home?

If they are unhappy staying in their home, it is certainly time to consider an alternative.

If your loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia can no longer stay at home, you can entrust their care to the memory specialists at Tower Lodge Care Center, in Wall, NJ. Our care includes activities designed to enhance cognitive function and promote sociability. We also provide the most cutting-edge sensory stimulation therapies, including light therapy, color therapy, music therapy, and aromatherapy to provide soothing, uplifting stimulation.

Check our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to see why we are the
best choice.

Contact us at 732-681-1400, or by clicking here.