Sister-in-law with Dementia needing care

Another very interesting and thoughtful email that came through the site today from a family looking for assisted living for a loved one.   She (the sister-in-law) has dementia, and at this time lives with the family, who believe that the home situation might not be the best environment.  Read on:

My sister-in-law suffers from Dementia and came to live with us in December 2009.  She spent over 25 years in a religious order and is a Masters Degree level nurse.  When she left the convent she worked as a Hospice nurse in Florida until 2003 when she had surgery to replace her hip.  She developed dementia subsequently and went to live with her sisters also in Florida.  Both sisters passed away a month apart and a neighbor called us.  We took Clare to live with us and we were doing well.  At this point, she seems to need more stimulation.  She attends the senior center in our town each week day for about 4 hours.  To be perfectly honest, we don’t know what to do for her.  We have an extended family situation and our 3 year old granddaughter lives with us as well.  We are sure the confusion is not good for her.  We are looking for a place where she can be with others who are in her same situation.  She can take care of her personal needs, dresses, feeds herself.  We administer her medication because she is forgetful. She cannot, however, live by herself or in a situation where she would have to prepare her own meals.  She often forgets to eat or if she did eat.  She has diabetes type II which is under control.  Otherwise her health is very good.  Cost of course is a factor. I would appreciate any suggestions you may offer and if your facility will be affordable and a possibility in our situation.  We live in Demorest, GA.