How does moving affect dementia?

It is admirable of you and your family to share the caregiving of your mother as well as her love. However, I do not recommend moving her from place to See also:
Non-Alzheimer's Causes of Dementia

See all 107 questions about Moving place. For persons with dementia, stability and routine are very important, especially as the disease progresses. So, moving does effect dementia.

Moving is very difficult for everyone. Let's look at it from your mother's point of view. First, when she was healthy, did she frequently move or vacation? It's easy to get confused with regular moves. As soon as she is used to one place, she has to move. Let's use the bathroom as an example. At your house, the bathroom is next to her room. But at your brother's house, it's the utility closet next to her room. She could easily get confused and end up in the utility closet to use the bathroom or get some water. What could happen in that situation? She may use the cleaning bucket as a toilet, and the spic and span as a beverage. I may be exaggerating slightly, but something like this is not completely out of reason.

For each family, it may be difficult to adjust to your mom's needs and condition. As I'm sure you know, caregiving changes the entire family, not just one member.

As I mentioned, stability and routine are imperative for dementia persons. I encourage you to find a situation that is good for your mother and your family. I know it's difficult for the caregiving to fall on one person. Maybe you can consider an alternative living situation (be it in a family home, or a facility--depending on her current needs) and have her close to as many family members as possible. Compromise will be necessary to create a stable living situation, but is not always easy.

At the end of the day, how would you feel moving so much. Personally, I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it. I can hardly handle being away from home for more than 2 weeks (even if on vacation).

I hope this helps and I wish you peace as you come to a single solution.

Deborah Cooke

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