One of the most difficult stages for caregivers to face is the fourth stage, where the loved on no longer realizes they are in their own home. Whether from dementia, Alzheimer’s or the progression of an illness, this stage is difficult, and as a caregiver you may be asking yourself why you are providing care if your loved one doesn’t know where they are, or worse, who you are.
For those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, this stage often leaves the loved one able to remember basic daily activities, such as how to use the toilet, how to brush teeth or what a light switch does. Patience is key, remember, that to your loved one, all of these daily activities are new experiences, for they have no memory of having done these tasks.
During this phase most families begin to look for skilled care options, such as nursing homes. If these decisions have been made prior to arriving at this point, then the transition begins to happen. The transition from home to nursing home for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be very stressful. Your doctor and the nursing home coordinators will help make the transition as easy as possible.
If memory issues are not the problem, but an illness or disease is, this stage is often one of the toughest as it requires us to admit that the end is near. Surround yourself, and your loved one, with people who care. Your support network is vital in the fourth stage of caregiving.
