my mom lives with me - has for past over 10 years. she is 94 and has advanced Alzheimer's. Can't do much for herself - I have to spoon feed her, change her pants etc. Hard for her to stand so I do a lot of lifting her from bed to wheelchair etc. Still, would not dream of putting her in a home. I think she has stayed as alert as she has b/c she is still here - I keep her busy with toys she plays with, "reading", etc. It is lots of work, but has been worth still having her around.