A home health nurse visits a patient with stage 2 Alzheimer’s disease who lives

1 -- Stage 2 patients generally are more confused, can demonstrate repetitive behavior, are less able to make simple decisions and to adapt to environmental changes, and are often unable to carry out activities of daily living. The spouse needs opportunities to have breaks from the demands of the patient’s care. Since the stage 2 patient does not adapt well to changes in his or her environment, it would be best to have someone come into the home, rather than to have the patient go out. An outing or a list of activities would be better suited for the patient in stage 1. Recommending placement in long-term care might be premature, and is not up to the nurse.