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My mother is currently in a nursing home, under palliative care. her nurses feel she is close to passing. i am not so sure. I am considering moving her to a facility closer to where i live, so that I can spend more time with her. i'm also aware that her current facility has severe management problems & a high client/nurse ration that i'm not happy with, although my visits tell me she is not being neglected. i'm concerned that a frail person with dementia might suffer from a change in environment. i do not want to cause her any discomfort. also, i'm not sure how important it is for her to see me. the change would be for me as much as for her. i want to spend more time with her. thoughts?

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You raise a very good question. My initial reaction would be to leave well enough alone, but not knowing all the details I'm just guessing. If her dementia is advanced it's hard to say how much your visits benefit her and I would be concerned with the logistics of moving someone in her condition. It could be very stressful for her even with advanced dementia. God luck with whatever route you choose.
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I would also lean towards leaving things alone if you are satisfied with her level of care. My experience with my own mother has been that each time she has been moved she has had a significant decline both mentally and physically - not to mention the toll it has taken on me and my brother.
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If she really is close to death, I'd leave her where she is. The move might just accelerate her decline or cause medical or physical complications. It's only a short time; if you can change your schedule to spend more time with her, I'd focus on that.
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thank you all for your insight! it's a great help.
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I can understand the responses given on your question. It makes sense. I just think I might consider it a little more. Yes, it's true that moving her might cause a decline, but what if it doesn't? If these are her last days and you could bring her comfort, then perhaps being able to see her every day even if just to touch her, speak calmly and tell her that her family is there, might bring her peace. Of course, I don't know how much she comprehends, but she may feel your presence, even is she is not able to process it. Maybe, I'm just being overly emotional, but I would speak to the staff in detail. Of course, they may have a vested interest in not wanting her moved, but, I would consider it for her sake.

There are two residents in a memory care facility that I frequent and I would have thought they would not have survived a day, but they have survived over 6 months. I realize all cases are different. What does her doctor say about her remaining time?

I moved my loved one from one facility to another when she had severe dementia. She did fine and there was no setback at all, however, she was not physically ill or near death as your loved one is. That is a big factor to consider.
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Normally a change confuses them but you being there to hold her hand and just to be there for her is priceless. I say do it!! I know I wouldnt want to be alone if I were at the end of life, my Moms with me in my home.
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