Transitioning from professional assisted living to professional memory care here in Buford is blessedly comfortable for our residents and their families. Familiarity and trust, often the most difficult challenges associated with this life change are baked into the transition process. So, this memory care blog post is more for those of you out there who are not currently engaged within professional assisted living or memory care services.
Know That You Are Not Alone
Roughly one in every seven seniors in America is affected by some form of dementia. For many of these older adults, memory care is the best option for a safe living environment that preserves their dignity. However, the transition into a memory care community even as professional managed as ours can be tricky to manage. Fortunately, you can do things to simplify and smooth out this process. As assisted living and memory care professionals, we recommend that you follow a few tips to better support your loved one.
Tips for Starting the Transition to Memory Care
Effective planning is typically crucial when it comes to easing the move into a memory care program. Aspects of a solid plan include:
- Talking to your loved one about the move in clear, concise terms
- Helping your loved one select and pack their belongings
- Creating a homey environment in the new living space before they arrive
When talking about memory care, you may want to follow an agreed-upon script instead of speaking spontaneously. This step can help you comfort your loved one and avoid any misunderstandings. The same holds true when it comes to helping your loved one pack up their treasured belongings and creating a new environment that mirrors aspects of what they already know.
Tips for Moving Day
The things you do on moving day can pay big dividends for you and your loved one. There’s a good chance that the day will be stressful and highly emotional. It’s important that you acknowledge these feelings. Ask your loved one how they’re doing. Regardless of how they respond, try your best to remain supportive and empathetic.
We recommend that you do a few other things. First, you can help your loved one get familiar with our staff. In addition, you can help them start the process of socializing with their new neighbors. It’s also important for you to talk to the staff yourself. This will allow you to establish solid channels for ongoing communication in the future.
Making the Transition to Memory Care a Smooth One
The question of how to most comfortable transition an Alzheimer’s patient into memory care remains relevant after moving day. For some it takes a considerable amount of time to fully adjust to their new living environment. Awareness of this fact will help you temper your expectations.
Visits to your loved one can be vital for them, as well as for you. However, you need to exercise caution when making these visits. Why? Unless you’re careful, you may add to your loved one’s feelings of dislocation and distress. Specific steps you can take to limit this possibility include:
- Keeping a positive frame of mind
- Visiting in the morning, not the afternoon or evening
- Doing things with your loved one while you’re there
Why visit in the morning? Seniors with dementia are typically more alert at that time of day. By participating in an activity with your loved one, you help fit your visit into their daily routine. In turn, this step can help make the visit less disruptive or distressing.
Learn More About the Transition to Memory Care at Buford’s Manor Lake
Want more information on smooth transitioning to memory care? Manor Lake Hamilton Mill Assisted Living and Memory Care in Buford, GA are standing by. We have extensive experience supporting seniors and their families at this crucial time. No matter the questions you have, we can answer them.