My sister will be moving in with my mom and dad to help care for my mom. She was diagnosed with dementia in Jan. My sister would like to have space of her own and they are thinking of buying a new place. My mom is with it much of the time, but I am afraid that the curved staircase in their current house will become dangerous soon. She doesn't always pay attention to what she is doing and often wears slip on shoes that could catch on the stairs. Our dillema is do we move her away from a familiar location or will she do okay with the stairs. Will she eventually forget how to navigate stairs?

Dear Sarahjane,

You said your mother lives in a two-story house and you are concerned about her using the stairs. You mentioned that your mother doesn't always pay attenion to what she is doing and that she wears slip-on shoes which you recognize as hazardous. This problem is not uncommon. Stairs can be a serious hazard for the elderly and expecially for persons with dementia.

Since you sister is going to be moving in with your parents it might be a good idea to consider relocating them to a house that would be safer for your mother and provide space for your sister. Familiarity and routine are important for persons with dementia but safety issues are of paramount concern. Since your mother is "with it much of the time" now it might be better to move her sooner rather than later. The disease is progressive and having stairs in the home could become more of a concern in the future.

If you would like to discuss this matter with one of our Care Consultants you can reach us on our 24-hour helpline at: 800-272-3900.

Thank you for using the Alzheimer's Association Online Community.

Best wishes,

Charlie