Can moving from one place to another cause problems for a dementia person?

Yes, change of location and routine can cause a person to have more severe symptoms. But, after a new routine is established, they may return to their former baseline. I moved my Mom from a senior facility to assisted Living (AL) but there was a hospital stay and a rehab stay in between. Too many changes but there wasn't any choice for the hospital stay or rehab. That turned out to be a perfect time to go from rehab to AL. Of course, each individual will react differently. Investigate the ALs near you that have memory care. Trust me, there is a world of differences among them. I chose a memory care only facility. At some of the others I saw, I felt like the dementia residents were like second class citizens. I also chose one that was close to me. I wasn't working and visited every day unless I knew someone else would be there. I felt like it helped in the transition - immensely. I live in a heavily populated area and had choices. I visited and observed 10 different places. As to making the decision for her, the facility is correct. So many people think their loved one can still make their own decisions. They can't any more than a toddler could. It is all in how you position it to her. Good luck.

Young, your profile says that your mom has dementia. Is there an AL that is connected with the IL she's in? She would need to be assessed by any AL that you might consider moving her to. She may NEED 24/7 caregiving, although someone with dementia is not going to understand that. Talk to her doctor, talk to the AL social work staff and see if they agree that she needs less round the clock care.

To answer your original question, moving a person with dementia from one place to another CAN cause a decline. Sometimes it's temporary, but sometimes it a permanent "new normal"

I'm not sure I understand the situation. Mom lives in Independent Living. Where does the 24/7 caregiving come in? Are those one-on-one caregivers who stay with her in her apartment? If you feel she could get by and be happier with less supervision, why not decrease the amount of time she has caregivers with her? I guess I'm having a hard time understanding what the situation is now ...