Memory care helps your loved one maintain their quality of life as their dementia, Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline progresses. These facilities have unique services and programs to mitigate the effects of memory loss and keep your senior mentally engaged.
Moving to a memory care facility takes preparation and communication to help your mom or dad adjust effectively. Learn how you can provide emotional support during this transition.
Recognize When It’s Time for Memory Care
The following are common signs that your loved one may need memory care:
- Increased confusion
- Difficulty remembering names and faces
- Decline in personal hygiene
- Weight loss or malnutrition
- Frequent mood swings, agitation or anxiety, especially in the evening
- Difficulty managing household tasks and finances
- Verbal or physical aggression
- Frequent falls
- Wandering
- Caregiver strain and overwhelm
Emotionally Prepare Your Loved One for the Move
Moving to a new place can elicit different emotions, especially for those with cognitive changes. Your loved one may feel confused, sad or angry that they have to leave their home, so it’s important to exercise patience.
Encourage them to express their thoughts and emotions. Be an active listener and validate your loved one’s concerns so they can work through their feelings. Discuss what will happen before, during and after the move so they know what to expect. You may need to have several conversations to monitor their emotional well-being.
Bring Personal Items to Help Them Get Comfortable
Treasured possessions can make your loved one’s room feel familiar. Seeing their favorite items also supports memory recall and reduces confusion. It’s important to involve them in the selection process so they can take an active role in their transition.
Bring furniture, trinkets and décor to personalize their space. Rearrange the room in a similar fashion to their previous home to create familiarity.
The following items add a personal touch to a living space:
- Family photos
- Photo albums
- Pillows and blankets
- Books and magazines
- Favorite scents
- Stuffed animals
- Keepsakes
Communicate with Memory Care Staff Before the Move
While these facilities usually offer transition support, it still takes time to get to know new residents. You know your loved one best, which is why it’s essential to communicate with memory care staff.
Discussing your loved one’s daily routines, hobbies, interests, passions and personality allows the staff to understand their needs. The team can also facilitate social interactions with other residents and help your senior make connections.
Help Family and Friends Understand the Transition
The transition may affect family and friends, especially children and teens who may not understand why it’s necessary. Explain the purpose of memory care to help others understand why the move is necessary. Discuss safety features, specialized support, medical services and supervision to emphasize the benefits of memory care.
Provide your family and friends with resources, pamphlets and articles so they can learn about dementia and Alzheimer’s. Acknowledge their emotions and allow them to ask questions and express concerns. Talking it out will get everyone on the same page regarding your senior’s care.
Create a Visitation Schedule
Visiting your loved one in memory care regularly provides a sense of comfort. Create a schedule with other family and friends, so your senior can visit with different guests. That social interaction and cognitive engagement can reduce the impact of memory loss.
Focus on positive reinforcement and direct the conversation toward the beneficial aspects of your loved one’s new living situation. Space out your visits as your loved one spends more time in memory care. While it’s important for you to see them, they also need to build connections with the staff and other residents.
Empower Memory Care at Embassy Healthcare
Each resident in memory care requires personalized, holistic care. Through our Empower Memory Care program, we strive to help your loved one manage their psychological, physical and medical needs to enhance their living experience. Schedule a tour of one of our memory care facilities to learn more about our services.
