How to Assist Your Family Member with Dementia when Relocating to a Facility
Many family members will ask whether it is the right time for their family member living with dementia to relocate, this is a difficult but important decision. Family members along with the person living with dementia should work out an advance directive (future care plan) at the early stages of the diagnosis , this will assist the family later on when the person living with dementia is no longer able to make the decision or have input. Below I have highlighted some reasons, causes and incidents that usually lead to the relocation of someone living with dementia, but one needs to keep in mind that all cases are unique. Safety Issues in the home due to a loss of independence, increase in falls and/or an elderly spouse who can’t keep up with the physical care needs of the person with dementia. Wandering and getting lost, about 60% of persons with dementia wander. Escalated caring and health needs of the person with dementia or their family care giver. A lack of family supp...