Just wondering

Teresag56

Hi all just wonder if anybody could give me advise. My mom is 92 was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's in early 2018....she chose to go to assisted living she didn't want anybody taking care of her in her home. Her memory was ok..we had stopped her from driving before the diagnosis. Anyway she stayed in assisted living until January 2021...she now lives with me. Somedays she acts completely normal....her short term memory is gone...but she still dresses herself, but she never takes a shower or washes her hair just sponge baths.She can carry on a conversation somewhat. I was thinking about putting her back in assisted living. I am so torn....is this what Alzheimer's  does..is this just a good phase before she goes on a downward sprial...

Rescue mom

Short and to the point, sorry you are in this situation.

Yes, this is what Alzheimer’s does. No, she will not get better. She may have some days that are better than others, may not decline noticeably for a while, but they only get worse.

You are fortunate in having a facility nearby that you are familiar with, and she did not fight it before. (I would not place any bets on what her reaction might be now, attitudes often change with this horrible disease). 

Was there an incident where she was asked to leave? If not, it could make it easier to get her back in. Many believe it’s better to get them in earlier, when they are better able to meet others and deal with new surroundings.

You did not mention a family. You probably know that soon she will need 24/7 watching and attending, 365 days a year. It’s very, very hard on a family, no one can do it alone without a lot of help.

Teresag56

Thanks for replying. I opted to take her out of assisted living  because of covid. I am the only family...I have her 24/7...with the exception of 2 days of 4 hr homecare... I know for a few weeks she was declining fast and now all of a sudden...she seems almost normal..except for her memory that never changes...she has no clue...but she always says I am just old and worn out she has never spoke of or asked any questions about Alzheimer's...even when  neurologist told her she had Alzheimer's she never acknowledged him.