Will moving severe Alz age 83 to new home shorten life?
Jg in uk asked...
My mother is 83 and in late stage alzheimer's. My youngest sister wants to move her to different smaller home (unfamiliar surroundings) as she wants to sell Mum's house for the money! I don't want to play god and I believe moving her from her home of 25 years is immoral and unethical as I believe it will shorten her life. Is there any literature/academic research to support my arguement? Thank you.
Expert Answer
Ladislav Volicer, M.D., Ph.D., is recognized as an international expert on advanced dementia care. He is a courtesy full professor at the School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, and visiting professor at the Third Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Twenty-five years ago, he established one of the first dementia special care units.
There is some evidence that relocation of individuals with dementia may result in increased mortality, increased falls and worse health status. However, there are other factors involved as well. Who is caring for your mother? You or your sister? It is possible that your mother would receive better care in a smaller home if she is not isolated.