How do I deal with the stress and unrest of moving causes my loved one who has Alzheimer's?

Need more information. Are you already in the process? Where are you moving to? If you live in a home, are you putting it on the market before you move? Need to sell it before your move?

More questions as well.... And what's the purpose of the move? What stage of Alz does your husband have? Is he able to understand that you'll be moving?

I can't continue taking care of our home. There are too many decisions to make, too much upkeep. The hubs understands we'll be moving, but he doesn't want to, because this is familiar ground. I need to sell before we move, but we haven't put it on the market yet. I'm getting him used to the idea right now. He's in the "moderate" stage. Way past "mild." Not close to "severe."

Do you have a couple of friends that can come a couple of days a week to help? If one of them can help you sort through things and pack one room at a time, and the other sits with your husband and visits, and can do the lunch making, etc.....this will make your life so much easier. Do you have some family that can help? Enlist their help to get boxes, storage tubs, etc. Sort your belongings into 5 catagories: Trash, Donate, Garage Sale, Give to relatives, and Keep to move with.

With the clutter removed, it will be so easy to get your house listed and sold. A lot of people have written that being free of clutter and extra possessions takes a lot of stress away from our lives.

Thanks for the clarification. Sounds like a wise decision. It also seems as if you're already on the right track, getting your husband used to the idea.

Do you have another city/place, etc in mind? If so, could you show him photos of the area, things to do, especially those that might interest him, so that you can help him generate enthusiasm for the move?

Eg., if he enjoys nature, walking and parks, locate the state or county parks in the area and print out information from their websites, let him review it and try to think of activities that the two of you can do together.

Some areas have free concerts during the summer, and some have them in the winter as well. I've found that the United Methodist Churches in this area are good sources for summer concerts. Libraries and city parks are as well. If you both enjoy outdoor concerts (and perhaps a small picnic lunch), you could discuss going to some of these activities so he begins to look forward to them.

If you'll be closer to relatives, perhaps they can get involved as well and suggest activities that you can all do together.

Maybe a trip to the area might help? Stop for lunch at a nice place he'll enjoy so you're already creating and building new memories for the new place.

I guess what I'm thinking might really help is to find ways for him to be enthusiastic about the move and all that he'll be able to do once you've moved and try to turn any anxiety into anticipation.

Oh, thank you sooooo much for your input!!! It's is helpful ALREADY! I'm sure you'll hear more from me. I'm very grateful for your help.

The actual day of the move can be very stressful. Can he stay with a relative while you make his new space almost identical to to his favorite space before? His favorite chair?

Thank you, Sendme2help. That's an excellent idea, and i'll keep that in mind.