Question:
My mother I believe has early signs of Dementia...NOT Alzheimers she will be 79 years old this Feb 2007.?

My father has metastatic prostate cancer with mets to the bone and will probably not live very long...at what point if she has dementia should she be put in an assisted living situation??? She still drives and is quite capable of taking care of herself.Could she live still at their 4 bedroom 2500 square foot home in the suburbs??? or should she be placed in an independent living apartment and then if she gets worse move her to assisted living.

Can anyone give me some suggestions???

Answer: Registered Nurse here; Seems to me you've already answered this question yourself. You share, she still drives and is quite capable of taking care of herself. This is the best any of us can do. When her dementia reaches a point, you will not have to ask, you will know when she is not able to care for herself. I think you should talk to your mother and see what she thinks she would prefer, approach the subject gently with diplomacy, point out the benefits of living in an independent apartment. If she says no, respect her wishes if responsible,then suggest a house keeper that could also help prepare her nutritious meals. I must share 79 is pretty elderly to be driving, this would be one of my main concerns at this point, compounded with the dementia, for she may be driving and become lost and drive who knows where. Your in a ruff situation, if you have siblings, please discuss options with them also, then the entire burden will not fall on your shoulders.