Care of the patient with Alzheimer's disease living at home.

Although the majority of people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders are cared for in the home for most of their illness, there are few resources available on a consistent basis for nursing interaction. Nurses employed in a variety of settings provide ongoing information and support for families and caregivers in order to provide well-informed care. Because of the complexity of symptom presentation and care, the use of a simple conceptual model can be a valuable aid, helping families to understand behavioral alterations. The evaluation of behaviors as stress related assists both families and caregivers in determining the cause and effect of activities and environment to assist in enhancing comfort and life quality for both.