Convincing a Loved One With Alzheimer’s to Move to a Nursing Home

No one wants to place their loved one with Alzheimer’s in a nursing facility. But sometimes, that’s the best (or only) alternative, especially for those in the mid to late stages of the disease.

It takes a large team to care for people in these stages. They need a doctor on call 24 hours a day. They need a nurse available at all times. They need aides, a social worker, activity professionals, cooks and laundresses. And they need to be around other people for social stimulation. They need 24/7 supervision and they need to be in a safe, secure environment.

Providing for all these needs at home can be done, but it’s a full-time job. In many cases, the primary caregiver has to work full-time and thus can’t provide adequate care. And sometimes they can’t afford an in-home caregiver who could help make it possible to keep the patient at home.

People with Alzheimer’s (as well as most people without it) who have a clear and compelling need to be in a long-term care facility typically want to remain in their own homes. Often, they are unaware that their condition is such that nursing home placement would be best for them.

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