When you are helping a loved one transit to memory care, the process is often uncertain and full of unknowns. Families of those transiting to memory care play a large role in facilitating a smooth transition. If your loved one, such as a parent, a significant other or a sibling is moving into a memory care facility, read on to find out how you can help them.
Pack the Necessary Items for Your Loved One
Moving can be an overwhelming and stressful process, especially for someone who is struggling with dementia. Taking down items in their rooms to move to a facility can also add on to their confusion and disorientation. In order to minimize anxiety and panic, family members can help to pack their items when they are outdoors spending time with their friends or asleep.
Personalize their Living Space
The memory care facility where family members choose to move their loved ones will become their new home. Family members need to help create the feeling of home by including their personal items and decorations in the space. This should be done before the move as much as possible as it can help to ease the anxiety of those moving into a new environment. Family members should prioritize moving meaningful objects, and not clutter the room with too many items.
Encouraging Your Loved One to Participate
After the move to a memory care facility, it is also important for family members to encourage those struggling with memory loss to participate in the activities organized by the facility, and socialize with those they will be living with. This can help them to get accustomed to their new surroundings. When a loved one participates in activities they enjoy, such as bingo, art class or physical activities, it will help to reduce the stress of moving to a new environment, and give them an opportunity to make new friends there.
Check in with How They are Feeling
It is important to constantly check in with how your loved one is feeling. Give them emotional support, especially during the period where they are still getting used to their new home. Communication is always critical, and you should always acknowledge their feelings.
Stay Connected with Your Loved One
After your loved one has settled into their new home, it is important to communicate with them and visit them regularly to show your support and to establish that you will be present during their journey there. In the first few months or weeks, communication may be challenging as your loved one can be disoriented or hostile. In order to reduce the amount of stress these seniors have, focus on the positive of the situation, and participate in meals and programs with your loved one.
If you are looking for a reliable memory care facility for your loved one who is dealing with memory loss, Discovery Village At Dominion is your ideal choice. We have a personalized approach to all our residents living here, and seek to promote comprehension, engagement and lifestyle quality of those with memory-related conditions. Feel free to contact us to find out more about our memory care facilities today!
