My MIL has end stage Dementia and cannot walk by herself, but wants to. Any advice?

There are gentle restraints to help her stay where she should.

Isn't Hospice at home a great service? I like the idea of the recliner but I would check first with the hospice people.

Perhaps her walking is more a symptom of the last stages of Alzheimer's than the fact she 'wants' to walk. Her brain may be sending signals that she needs to get out for some reason. I'd love to know what Alzheimer's patients think and how they feel, wouldn't you? It would be so much easier to communicate. Unfortunately, I don't believe we'll ever know.

And that makes us all a bit sadder...that we try to do what we can but still it's doesn't seem to be enough.

You're a great guy to write in about this for your wife. Wonderful to hear about the good out there that's being done to care for our loved ones. I'm giving you a big hug. Pass it on to your wife and your Mother in law!

If she is still talking, this is not end stage. End stage leaves a patient unable to speak, move or interact in any way. She may be having a last rally so love her.

Do you have a recliner chair in your home? If your mom sits in the slightly reclined position with the foot up, it may keep her from getting up when there's no one in the room with her. And it's great for napping : )

Since your MIL is in end stage dementia, I have to presume she can't understand your pleas to not walk. She may not have a clue what you are saying. Your vigilance is all that will keep her from getting up. You may want to invest in a nanny cam system to keep an eye on her remotely.

If she doesn't have a wheelchair, get one for her. The walker may just be too difficult for her to learn how to use. See if she qualifies for some physical therapy to keep or improve the mobility she has now.

My Mom is in a NH, but has the same issue. She became unable to walk rather suddenly due to her dimentia, but she kept wanting to get up. They have her in a wheelchair that has and adjustable footrest, that we keep in the raised position, with a padded barrier around the bottom where her feet are. This, and lots of reminders,initially, has been enough for her to learn not to get up during the day. She still tries to get up in the middle of the night however, they have her in a very low bed with matts on the floor, and they pay close attention to monitor her, she has actually gotten up twice but has rolled easily to the matts and has not been hurt. I hope this gives you some things to try.

Report this to the Hospice RN, she may need to adjust medications.