T:<institution> Or <institution>	Q:Currently,  my Dad,  per my observations is in stage <num> Alzheimers. We have had him in a lockdown MEMORY CARE wing of an <institution>. There are <num> Alzheimers patients in the wing which is full occupancy,  he shares a room with another Gentleman. My Dad seems to be going down hill fast in this environment,  not eating enough,  not sleeping enough,  Etc. Everytime I visit him he will cry a lot and keeps telling me how bad it is and wants out,  of course after I leave he doesn't remember that I have been there according to the caregivers. We are thinking of putting him in a <institution> with <num> other folks not all of them have Alzheimers. As he is a wanderer,  we are told he will have to be medicated to stay on the <institution> sleep schedule. He is <age> and I am his Son. I am torn on what would be best for him and would appreciate any thoughts on the subject that you may have. <name>	A:This is a tough decision. I would say go with your heart. If you feel he would do better in a <institution>,  then go for it. Is he currently on sleep meds? The reason I ask is sometimes AZ patients do not do well on sedatives. They can actually work opposite then what they are intended and also it can make them agitated.  How well do you know this <institution>? Do they have any history of past abuse? Could he not be happy there because,  even though many <institution> try to make it homey,  that it is too cold for him? Not personal enough? AZ patients have a tendency of taking every single nuance of others and make it personal. My Gma would insist that this one lady at the <institution> didn't like her because she kept staring at my Gma. The girl kept staring because she was mentally handicapped.  I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do. Like I said,  it's a tough decision. 


A:i would check out the <institution>---------visit the tenants! see how they are,  see where it is,  don't leap to the first alternative. talk to a social worker. w


A:I think your dad wants to stay at home. If he ever stays in your home,  is there someone look after him? You may get licensed <professional_caregiver> or <professional_caregiver> to supervise your dad. Have you asked the <professional_practitioner> there why he was acting that way? here are the following <institution>


A:I've seen many <institution> that only have a few people living in them,  and they are quite nice. If you feel your father might be happier there,  you might want to check some out. They do have a homier feel to them,  and the one I visited had a vegetable garden and a lovey living area where folks could visit. I was very impressed. Plus I think they give a little bit more personal care since their are fewer people. You just never know -- some folks are better off in bigger environments with lots of people around and some are better off in a homier,  small environment. Good luck to you and keep us posted; I know I'll soon be in the same predicament.  
