Taking Dementia Patients Out Of Their Environment: A Caregiver Guide

Dementia, a condition that often impacts cognition and one’s ability to function, can make it difficult for an individual to adapt to environmental changes. While changes in one's environment may have negative consequences for overall well-being, allowing a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia to remain isolated in the same place may also be harmful. 

In other situations, caregivers may decide to move a person with dementia for their own health or safety. To understand how to find the right balance, it may be helpful to determine the consequences and benefits of taking dementia patients out of their environment and the reasons one might do so. This might require practical advice and careful consideration of their unique challenges.

What are the negative consequences of moving a dementia patient? 

Research suggests that relocating a patient with dementia may have social, physical, and psychological consequences. In a 2019 literature review, researchers used data from 13 articles that focused on the relocation of older adults. They found that relocation can have a negative impact on health, with several studies showing a decline in mental, physical, behavioral, and functional well-being. 

Why sudden changes can increase confusion

Specific changes in the brain that occur with dementia and memory loss could make it harder for patients to adapt to new environments and situations. Sudden changes can cause extreme confusion, disorientation, and in severe cases, delirium. If you have to move someone with dementia, it could be helpful to maintain as much of the same situation and environmental cues as before. This could preserve cognitive function and reduce anxiety.

How cognitive function can fluctuate with stress

One of the most common effects discovered in their review was a higher level of stress, which may be particularly detrimental for those experiencing dementia. This result may indicate that, unless a move is carefully planned to reduce stress, it may be best to avoid relocating individuals with dementia. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to move someone experiencing dementia. These moves may be permanent relocations in certain situations, while others could be more temporary outings. 

Reasons for taking dementia patients out of their environment

There are various reasons one might choose to move someone with dementia, even if doing so creates discomfort or stress. For example, individuals with dementia may need to be transferred to long-term care as their disease progresses. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, this decision is often made by an individual’s loved ones or caretakers. While it may be challenging to determine the right time to make this move, several factors may influence the situation. These factors may include the following. 

Function 

One way to determine whether someone may benefit from entering a care facility is to assess their ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs typically include the ability to:

• Move and walk independently
• Feed oneself
• Choose appropriate clothing and dress oneself
• Groom and bathe oneself
• Control one’s bladder and bowels
• Get to the bathroom, use it correctly, and clean up after yourself
• Take medication in the correct dosages and at the correct time

If an individual cannot complete these tasks, they might require assistance from a caregiver or move to a care facility where they can receive around-the-clock support. 

Safety of your loved one with dementia

Another reason caregivers may choose to move someone could be the safety of their current living situation. For example, an individual may live in a home with appliances or tools that may cause them harm if misused. 

In some cases, a person may have recently had an accident, such as a fall, which could indicate they are unsafe in their home. Additionally, an individual with dementia may be prone to wandering away from their house. If you’ve noticed a loved one engaging in this behavior, you might consider moving them to a care facility. 

Caregiver health 

In addition to harming a caretaker's health, these effects may make it difficult for them to function in their daily life or care for their loved one. In turn, their difficulties may put the individual with dementia at risk of unintentional harm. In addition to moving an individual to a care facility, there may be more short-term reasons to take a person with dementia out of a specific environment. Because these moves are often less permanent or stressful, they may offer various benefits. 

Are there benefits to taking a dementia patient out of their environment?

There are several reasons a person may temporarily remove a person with dementia from their environment. For example, a caretaker or loved one may want to ensure that the person experiencing dementia has the opportunity to socialize. 

Social interaction and everyday life engagement

Some individuals with dementia experience social withdrawal and isolation in their everyday life, often due to symptoms like anxiety about their condition. Ensuring individuals with dementia avoid isolation and engage in social interaction can improve their mental well-being. One way to do so is to take them out of their environment to engage in social activities. These activities may include frequent visits to family events, dementia support groups, or other meaningful activities. Doing so may:

• Improve their well-being
• Enhance their cognition
• Maintain emotional health

Meaningful activities and physical activity

In addition to socialization, another reason that it may be beneficial to remove someone with dementia from their environment is for exercise. Research suggests that exercise may have various benefits for those with dementia. In a 2020 study, physical activity (specifically aerobic exercise) promoted healthy aging in cognition, psychological health, and independent functioning in those experiencing cognitive decline. 

However, the specific way that someone with dementia is taken out of a comfortable environment can be impactful. To reduce potential harm and ensure that the individual with dementia is safe, individuals may want to take several precautions. 

How to safely take someone with dementia out of their environment 

How to take an individual with dementia safely out of an environment can vary depending on where they are being moved. For example, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, moving a person with dementia into a caregiver’s home may involve considering several factors beforehand, such as the following. 

Considering living arrangements and finances 

Determining where a person will live and how to personalize their new environment to make them comfortable can be beneficial. Caregivers might move their items from their current home to their new location, ensure that the new location provides a safe, calm environment, and check that their new room is sufficient to house them.

In addition to living arrangements, caregivers might consider the financial impact of this move. This step may involve discussing what new expenses this move could incur, how they will be paid, and whether you can pay them. If not, families can seek financial assistance or help from other family members. 

Considering who will facilitate the move 

Because moving an individual with dementia could become complicated, it may be helpful to find out who will help you complete the process. For example, caregivers may ask family members or friends for assistance, determine who will provide medical care during and after the move, and explore how the individual with dementia feels about the move. 

Minimizing challenges 

While a move may be the best choice for a family, ensuring that the person doesn’t have to be moved multiple times might be beneficial. You can start by ensuring the new caregiver or facility is fit, that they are prepared to complete potentially difficult tasks (such as handling the person’s toileting and bathing), and planning as much of the move as possible ahead of time.

Considering mental health support when taking dementia patients out of their environment

Moving a loved one with dementia or becoming a caretaker can be stressful. While it may be advantageous to prepare the person experiencing dementia for the move ahead of time, it can also be essential to safeguard one's mental health. There may be several ways to do so, including by taking time for oneself, spending time with loved ones, or seeking the support of a mental health professional.

Research suggests that therapy may benefit caregivers of people with dementia (CGPWD). In a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers reviewed 12 randomized controlled trials involving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) outcomes for CGPWD. They found that CBT had positive effects on various conditions that caretakers may experience, including anxiety, depression, stress, and dysfunctional thoughts. Overall, researchers concluded that CBT can be effective at reducing the potential adverse emotional effects associated with CGPWD.

Alternative support options when caring for a loved one with dementia

While in-person CBT and other forms of therapy can be beneficial, they may not be available or convenient for everyone, particularly those who have limited time left after their caretaking responsibilities. In some cases, a person seeking therapy may live in a healthcare provider shortage area (HSPA), making it more difficult to find an in-person therapist. 

In these cases, exploring effective alternatives, such as online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, may be helpful. Online platforms are convenient, allowing clients to attend therapy from home and choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions. In addition, clients can choose a session time that works with their schedule, including outside of standard business hours. 

Research has shown that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. A 2022 study concluded that there is insufficient evidence of a difference between psychotherapy delivered online and therapy delivered face-to-face. This result shows that online therapy and face-to-face therapy have no differences in effectiveness.