Living in a Nursing Home With Alzheimer's Disease

Before your loved one goes off to an Alzheimer’s long term nursing care facility, you’ll need to consider the items that you’ll want them to take, or the care guidelines that you have a personal attachment to. It’s hard to even think about them leaving, especially if you’ve been their primary care giver, but sometimes it becomes necessary for your health and theirs. So take the time and consider a few aspects about taking things to their new home, and ask yourself should these items go. You’ll be glad you did.

We all want a dignified and loving environment wherever we live, and this is especially true when we’re older. When you’re younger, it’s easy to – rough it – so to speak, and do without, but when you’re older, you’ll want the warm mementos and cherished pictures around you to comfort you emotionally and mentally. When my father had to enter an Alzheimer’s lock down unit, after caring for him on a day to day basis of 2 ½ years, I wanted him to take all of his stuff so he would feel like he was home. I wanted it for me too because I was sad and angry that I could no longer physically care for him and my family. There were a few good lessons that I learned along the way by encouraging him to take his stuff though, so read on about some of them.

• Nursing homes have rules about what can and cannot be brought in. Make sure to check the list, or ask for one if they forget to include it in your residency package for your Alzheimer’s loved one.