5 tips for transitioning a loved one into a memory care
Once you decide to move a loved one with dementia to a memory care community, your next step is the transition into care. Often this can feel overwhelming for you and your loved one. Here are five tips to help make the transition easier for both of you.
1. Choose the best memory care community available
It all starts with talking to your loved one and their physician, so you best understand their needs. Then it is time to do some research. Find a community that has amenities and services that cater to the needs of your loved one and fits your budget. By finding a community with personalized care matched to your loved one, you can ensure a smooth transition.
2. Make several visits to your senior care community
Visiting the community before the move-in date allows your loved one to become more familiar with their new surroundings and get to know the staff. By limiting surprise factors, you can increase your loved one's comfort level and excitement about joining a new community.
3. Have an open and honest conversation
Discussing moving plans before the big day can help your loved ones understand what is happening and why it is better for their well-being and give them time to adjust to the idea of living somewhere new. During these discussions, remind them you will visit as often and emphasize that they are still part of the family, and living in the community does not change that.
4. Give your loved one time to adjust without you
Once your loved one moves into a memory care community, it's natural to want to visit daily. But by giving your loved one time to get familiar with their new space on their own, you enable them to focus on making friends and becoming comfortable in their new home. Visiting too much can negatively affect them by creating anxiety around your return and tension when you inevitably leave.
5. Create a familiar environment in their new space
Seniors living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia take comfort in what they recognize. Therefore, you should set up your loved one's new space so that it feels as close as possible to their home before the move. Do this by bringing items they love like pictures, clothes, blankets, which will comfort and help them feel at home.
Taking the time to thoughtfully plan your loved one's transition can make the process easier and more comfortable for both you and your loved one.
Are you considering memory care? We are happy to provide a tour or any answer questions about our communities. We look forward to talking with you soon!