Caring for someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia involves a lot of hard work. There may come a day when you realize that the best way for your loved one to receive the support they need is to allow professionals to care for them. This means having them relocated to a dedicated memory care community where specialized care is rendered by certified healthcare professionals.
Here are some helpful tips to help your elderly loved one with transitioning to memory care.
Schedule a Tour
It is helpful for you to schedule a tour of the memory care community together with your loved one several times before admission. You can have lunch with other residents and observe how the different services are facilitated there. This will allow the staff to get to know you and your loved one. It is helpful in giving everyone a sense of familiarity, which is essential for adults with memory-related conditions.
Share Information with Staff
Share as much information as you can with staff regarding your loved one. Inform them of their interests, dislikes, background, preferred activities, and normal routine.
Save Your Loved One the Chaos
Packing, moving, and setting up the new living space can be chaotic. Leave your loved one out of the process so as to not cause them any stress. They may feel even more anxious if they are required to declutter and sort out their belongings.
Set Up the Living Space
There are many senior living floor plans for you to choose from to cater to your loved one’s needs. You can select the size of their room, the interior design, and even fixtures. It is recommended that you set it up according to their liking and preference. In addition, you can include several personal items to make their room look like their home as much as possible.
Visit Them Regularly
Once your loved one has successfully transitioned over to the memory care community, visit them regularly. Maintain routines that they have always enjoyed and provide them with the companionship that they seek. You can join them in the many community events or accompany them during mealtimes.
Stay Updated
Arrange to have regular talks with the primary caregiver of your loved one. Stay up to date about their health and wellness status to learn how they are coping with the new environment. You can ask any questions you may have and the caregivers can express any concerns.
Always Stay Positive
It is normal for you to have mixed feelings about having to relocate your loved one to a memory care community. As much as possible, do not display any negative emotions when you go to visit. People living with dementia are very good at picking up on other people’s emotions so do not let them sense your worry or sadness.
Trust in Yourself
Trust yourself in knowing that you are indeed enabling your loved one to have access to the best care. Admitting them to a memory care community is the best possible decision you have taken for you and your loved one.
