Ask the Expert: World Alzheimer’s Month

Jennifer L. from Buckhorn asks:
My mother has Alzheimer’s and it seems to be getting worse. I don’t think I’ll be able to care for her much longer. How do I know when to move her into a nursing home?

Hi Jennifer,

I know this is a very difficult question to ask yourself but I’m glad you reached out. There are some things to look for when deciding on if it’s time to move someone with Alzheimer’s into a nursing home:

  • Are they getting aggressive toward you? Either physically or verbally?
  • Are their needs larger than what you can provide?
  • Are they safe in their current home?
  • Have they begun wandering?
  • Is their care severely impacting your life?

If the answer to one or more of these questions is “yes”, then you should start looking into moving her into a facility. This all starts with a conversation. If you have siblings or other close family, talk with them. You do not have to make this decision alone. It’s important that you have this conversation early as well, before the situation becomes an emergency.

From there, research facilities to ensure that you are putting your mom somewhere safe that can take care of her specific needs. There are different types of nursing homes (e.g. Assisted Living, Residential Care, Continued Care Communities, Skilled Nursing Facilities) for
you to consider. It completely depends on the specific needs of your mom and what each facility offers.

Be sure you visit the facility before the move to help your mother with the transition and ease her mind. Check out the amenities offered. Make sure you are putting your mom in a place that’s comfortable for her and you.

When researching facilities, come by Grandview Nursing & Rehabilitation for a visit! Here at Grandview, we committed to providing the highest level of treatment, compassion, and service to our patients and residents by delivering comprehensive specialty care tailored to each person’s individual needs. In our warm and family-like environment, our team of caregivers provides round the clock skilled nursing care while lovingly addressing each patient’s overall well-being and individualized needs. This all-encompassing approach fosters greater self-esteem and independence, and improved quality of life. Surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of our natural setting in the heart of Danville, Grandview provides a cozy home-like atmosphere and an array of amenities to promote healing and restoration.

If you want to learn more about Grandview, call us at (570) 275-5240 and ask for Admissions. New admissions are welcome 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, and most insurances. Please feel free to reach out to me at amclaughlin@grandviewnr.com with any other questions you may have. Good luck with your mom and I hope to see you soon at Grandview!

September marks the 8th World’s Alzheimer month, an international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. Find out more at www.worldalzmonth.org/.

Ann McLaughlin RN is the Director of Admissions for Grandview Nursing and Rehab. Please submit all inquiries to amclaughlin@grandviewnr.com.