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Just lost my dad, she has severe Alzheimer’s and we need to put her into memory care. She of course does not want to go. She will also be losing her dog.

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You don't tell her she going.
You tell her you are going to visit a friend of yours.
You do not / cannot talk logic or reason to a person who has Alzheimer's.

If she likes ice cream, you tell her you are taking her out for an ice cream cone. You tell her anything that will get her to agree to get up. And, you keep smiling all the time to re-assure her.

Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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Unfortunately, my brother and I had to call the police to bring my mother to the hospital because she wanted to die on the couch in the living room.
After being discharged from the hospital, we had her all set up to be admitted to Assisted Living which was just one block from her house. It was brutal since she thought she was going home after the hospital. However, she managed to live a year and a half longer in her Memory Care unit. Had she stayed home, she would have died within weeks most likely.
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Reply to MaryJay
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Mom had a hospital visit before and the staff explained to her that she would be headed to a facility after that. She was not happy about the move, but she adjusted. I brought a few things from her home and photos of the grandkids. The staff worked hard to get her involved in activities.
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Reply to JustAnon
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Jeanne207: So sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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visit a few and ask the marketing person suggestions on how to move her without her knowing. They will tell you plenty of successful ways to do it.
Do not reason with her. Her brain is damaged. She will adjust once she gets there.
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Reply to MACinCT
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I have contact with somebody who takes in dogs when the aging owner needs to be moved to a nursing facility. My father is actually looking for a dog just like that. Please let me know if you’re interested in the rescue organization and if it’s a small dog and maybe a female, I know we would be interested!
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Reply to Hezbo44
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My mom agreed to go to rehab since she was using a walker and had fallen a couple of times. In September of 2023, I took her for a “while”. I don’t feel comfortable outright lying so I use language that feels right; I call it strategic truth. Mom has no concept of time any longer so I give vague answers like “ at least a couple more days” when she asks when she is going home. Most days she tells me she just got there and often asks how I knew she was there.

Amazon sells some very realistic looking dogs and cats that actually do a little moving. Perhaps she would find one of those comforting. I believe the name is Perfect Petz. Maybe this would help in more ways than one.
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Reply to Lovemom1941
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Jeanne207 Sep 14, 2025
Thank you for Amazon suggestion.
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If the dementia is severe, or anything past early stage, the move shouldn’t be discussed with her at all. Of course she will be against any move, anything unfamiliar will be opposed, she’s lost the ability to make sounds decisions and good judgments, so she cannot be consulted on this. Any good memory care place will have a director well versed in how to best make the move happen. Consult them for advice on this. As for the pet, it’s sad but necessary, tell her the dog died due to the health issues of old age. I wish you both well in this transition
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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If at all possible, please contact a rescue organization that specializes in senior and special needs dogs before committing to having the dog euthanized.
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Reply to Rosered6
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I know of many folks that just told their loved one that they were taking them to lunch(at the memory care facility, but don't tell your mom that)and when lunch was over they had the aides offer to take and show their loved one around the facility, while the family then left and let the aides take the person to their new room which you as the family will already have set up with some of moms favorite things so she will feel more comfortable.
And then allow your mom time to adjust to her new surroundings and the folks caring for her before you go visit her.
I know most memory care facilities will tell family to stay away for a week or 2, to give their loved one time to adjust, but you have to do whatever you feel comfortable with.
And since moms dog has to be put down anyway, perhaps having a nice picture of it in her room would be helpful.
I wish you well in doing what is best for your mom to keep her safe and looked after 24/7.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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I'm sorry about your dad. Regarding just one small aspect of the current situation, who will be caring for the dog? Would it be possible for that person or family to bring the dog to visit your mom when she is living in a memory care facility?
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Reply to Rosered6
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Jeanne207 Sep 14, 2025
The dog has to be put down. He is old and is incontinant. He has also tried to bite people unfortunately.
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