My Alzheimer’s patient father is confused about where to go to the bathroom, my mother has been finding him going throughout the house. Any advice?

When the wandering starts and the deposits are being left throughout the house, it may be time for skilled care, like MC.

Someone who has gone this far down needs special care by trained professionals, your mother is not capable to continue to care for him at home.

Very sorry about this, but, remember to protect your mother as well.

Your mother could try a stick-on strip of visible tape from his chair and bed, leading to the toilet.

I so agree with NeedHelp that a lot of thought now has to go into how long Mom can do this care at home. Once this wandering begins it is unlikely to change a whole lot, and it may be a danger in that the wanderer may leave the home and be instantly lost. The fear of this makes the caregiver sleepless, and quite honestly in danger of a medical crisis. It may be time to consider memory care placement. I am so sorry. Certainly discuss this increasingly disturbing activity with the doctor, but I am thinking that the downward trajectory is unlikely to be changed. I absolutely wish you the very best and I hope others have some better answers for you.

Maybe he should be using adult pull-ups? I know my FIL used to do this. Best/worst one was peeing in a suitcase my MIL was packing for them to take a little trip. I am sorry but I do not know how to resolve this. He will not be able to learn how to pee in the right place - his brain is broken with AZ (my mom's is too). Maybe get him on a pee schedule - like every 2 hours he is brought to the bathroom. That might help cut down on issues?

Best of luck.

I’m so sorry that your mom is having to deal with this situation. I’m sure that it is distressing for everyone including your dad.

Does your mom plan to continue to care for him at home without any outside assistance?

Start looking at facilities in mom’s area and gently bring up the topic of placing your father in a facility that will be able to look after him around the clock so she can get some rest.

Have you contacted Council on Aging in your mom’s area? They will do a needs assessment on your father and see explain how they are able to help plan for his future care.

Wishing you and your family peace as you continue on in your caregiving journey.