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Easing the transition to a memory care community

Dr. Brent P. ForesterBy Dr. Brent P. Forester, MSc., Geriatric Psychiatrist, Bridges by EPOCH at Westford

Transitioning to an assisted living community may be challenging to the individual with dementia, their loved ones and caregivers, and to the community who must help manage this transition. A consultation with a community RN prior to the move can provide the family with guidelines on how best to ease this transition.

Assessing an individual’s degree of cognitive impairment is critical. If someone cannot recall any new information, then a detailed explanation of the moving plan prior to the time of transition will not only be meaningless to the individual, but may increase stress and anxiety for no reason. Therefore, the community RN may want to meet with the family and consult the primary care MD to come up with an individualized approach for making such a transition.

I continue to be amazed at how stressful this process can be for families. Often, it is the idea of moving and the problems that may ensue that heighten anxiety and fears. Interestingly, with the right kind of planning, these transitions can go remarkably smoothly, much to the surprise of the family who had been expecting the worst.

When a person with dementia is no longer able to live safely on their own or caregivers are unable to meet their complex needs in a home environment, a transition to a community, such as Bridges by EPOCH, can bring welcome relief and the right kind of environment to maximize the quality of life for all involved.

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