There may come a time when someone you love needs specialized care for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Maybe you’re experiencing a situation like this now. Oftentimes a family member or someone else close to the person living with dementia helps with the move to memory care. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help a loved one make the transition.
Before a Move to Memory Care
The more you can involve your parent or loved one in planning for the move to memory care the more rewarding it will be for you both. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Plan Ahead As Much As Possible
Assuming their condition isn’t too far advanced, you should talk to your loved one about preferences for living arrangements. Honesty is important. Share relevant information about the move, but try not to overwhelm them. Highlight the benefits of living in a community.
Share Details About Your Loved One
Once you have decided on a senior living community, you should reach out to the memory care team there and ask if you can meet to share details about your loved one, including interests. This will allow caregivers to suggest activities and provide more meaningful assistance.
Remain Positive & Build Excitement
Remain positive ahead of the move. Listen to any reservations your loved one may have and respond with compassion. Highlight specific things they can look forward to in their new home, including services and amenities they might enjoy. Build excitement for the move.
Memory Care Moving Day
Changing up routine and moving can be stressful for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Here are some tips to make your loved one’s moving day more comfortable.
Pick the Right Time for the Move
Mid-morning or mid-afternoon tend to be less hectic times to move into the senior living community. However, you also want to consider the needs of your loved one. Schedule a moving time that coincides with their best time of day so they can get settled and comfortable.
Add Familiar Touches to Their Space
You should try to make your loved one’s new space as familiar as possible. Decorate the area with meaningful possessions and photos to create a sense of connectedness. You may even want to ask your community if it’s possible to set up your loved one’s room ahead of time.
Reach Out to Your Community for Help
Moving day is sure to be an emotional experience. If something unexpected happens or your loved one is having trouble adjusting to their new home, let your memory care team members know about it. They have the experience and resources to help comfort your loved one.
After the Move to Memory Care
It’s tempting to want to be around your loved one as much as possible as they are settling into their new home. However, you should give them some time and space to adjust on their own. This will encourage your loved one to get involved in programs and make new friends. Consider reaching out to memory care team members for updates versus always checking in directly.
If you have done your preparation ahead of the move, you can take comfort in knowing that your loved one is in good hands with compassionate caretakers who understand their preferences.
Explore Memory Care Options at Friendship Village
At Friendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, we take an elevated and innovative approach to memory care.
We have designed our private memory care suites to create a comfortable home environment where your loved one can establish their preferred personal routines. These suites exist within a neighborhood-like setting that encourages mental stimulation and community engagement.
Our compassionate team members work closely with older adults and their loved ones to understand and overcome the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We offer individuals access to our memory care residences on a direct-entry basis.
Contact us today to learn more about our memory care residences and how we can provide a comfortable and engaging environment to help your loved one live life to its fullest.
