Do you think it's acceptable to take a family member who has dementia out of the nursing home to go to a relatives house for a visit?
Do you think it's acceptable to take a family member who has dementia out of the nursing home to go to a relatives house for a visit? This patient does not walk up stairs anymore and uses a walker. She also gets very upset when she is brought back to the nursing home after her visit to the family member's house because she is confused. Should she leave the nursing home anymore?
Expert Answer
The decision about whether to take a family member with dementia out of his/her 'comfort zone' (whether it is from ones own home or a nursing home)to socialize will depend on many factors. If it is to visit with relatives who are aware of dementia communication and supportive, then it would be viable. If she can enjoy the visit in the 'here and now', then it would be advisable. If she can physically and emotionally cope with this temporary change, then it is possible. If her angst is so great when she returns to the nursing home, and the staff is unable to facilitate her readjustment, then it may not be feasible. Being confused should not be the deciding factor; being confused is the symptom of the disorder. The key is whether all her support network, her family and nursing home staff, can cope with her confusion and assuage the after effects of the visit.