How To Transition Your Loved One With Alzheimer's Into Memory Care
Has your loved one been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia? In that case, the right memory care residence can provide the security, comfort, and social connections they need to stay as healthy as possible. Once you find a residence, you might wonder about successfully moving a loved one to memory care. While every transition to a memory care residence is unique based on the person's preferences, abilities, and challenges, you can take a few steps to make moving a loved one to memory care as easy as possible for both of you.
Tips for Moving a Loved One to Memory Care
A successful and smooth transition begins long before move-in day. You can help to prepare for a smooth move to your loved one's Alzheimer's and Memory Care residence by:
- Packing for your loved one
- Schedule a few hours each week when your loved one is asleep or at a doctor's appointment. Alzheimer's disease affects short-term memory, which means your loved one will not remember they are moving, and seeing you pack up their things can be unnecessarily traumatizing and stressful.
- Setting up their new apartment before move-in day
- Work with the Alzheimer's and Memory Care residence you chose to set a time when you can move in their furniture and items so that their home feels familiar for when they do move in.
- Bring personal touches
- Bring a favorite bedspread, sheets, and photos to add to their home. These small touches will go a long way in helping them feel settled in somewhere familiar.
- Keep it organized
- While you want to bring along familiar items, you don't want to make their new home feel overstimulating. You can always bring in more items as they get settled in.
- Communicate with the associates
- The best Memory Care residences base their interventions and approaches on the preferences and history of the person with the disease. Schedule a time with associates at the residence before moving in so that you can answer questions and let them know about your loved one's history and favorite things before they move in.
How to Transition a Loved One with Alzheimer's into Memory Care
Moving day can feel stressful for everyone. However, your loved one will feel additional stress and anxiety if they pick up on the fact that you are feeling stressed out and anxious. Do your best to remain calm and supportive so your loved one feels comfortable. Here are a few tips for how to successfully transition a loved one with Alzheimer's into memory care:
- Plan
- Plan the move during your loved one's best time of day. Maybe your mom feels the calmest during the morning hours. Moving during those morning hours will yield the best result if this is the case.
- Quality time
- When you arrive at the residence, spend time with your loved one participating in community life. Attend the group exercise class in the living room, and sit at their table for lunch. Encourage conversation among other residents so your loved one can feel like part of a community from the beginning.
- Ask questions (get informed)
- Lean on the expertise of caregivers and associates. Alzheimer's and dementia care residences have specially trained associates who have experience working with adults living with cognitive decline. They will have advice for making the transition successful and how to help you leave when it is time. If you have questions, ask the experts.
- Talk to your loved one
- Communicate with the caregivers and your loved one regularly. Transitioning to a new residence takes time. One way to make things smoother for you and your loved one is to focus on communication. Email the leadership team at the residence to see how things are going or schedule a weekly check-in call with the Healthcare Director or social worker. Similarly, communicate with your loved one. Stop by for visits, chat on the phone, or video call.
Finding the Right Memory Care Residence
The most crucial step in the transition process is to choose the right Memory Care residence for your loved one. Learn more about Legend Senior Living's approach to memory care here, and feel free to contact us to ask questions and schedule a visit below.