Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].
Q: We’ve finally decided to move Mom to a memory care community. What can I do to make the move and transition smooth and comfortable for her – and for me?
A: Making the decision to move a loved one into memory care can be very difficult and feel overwhelming, but rest assured you are doing the best thing for them – and for you! However, literally getting your loved one into memory care can be stressful and cause a lot of anxiety. Depending on what stage of dementia he or she is in, the change can be disruptive and they might not understand why this is happening. Fortunately, there are some tips and strategies you can use to help make the transition as easy as possible.
Visit the new community before the move. Preferably several times. If possible, take your loved one to the community on a weekly basis so they can take part in activities, meet the staff and become comfortable with it. That will make moving day a little easier, since you’re not going to a new, scary, unfamiliar place.
Make their room “home.” Before moving day, if you’re able to, set up your loved one’s new space with items that are comfortable, familiar and meaningful. Set up a favorite chair in the corner by the window and make sure the bed has been made with a familiar pair of sheets. Put family photos around so there are familiar memories and faces.
Plan on spending time with them on moving day. The first day can definitely be the hardest for everyone. You may want to spend as much time as possible with your loved one. Or, it may be easier if you have a few short visits throughout the day. You know your loved one best, so choose an option that will be the most beneficial. Have lunch and dinner with your loved one, if possible.
Become a part of the community. Frequent visits after the initial move will help everyone settle into a pattern of “normal.” While you’re visiting your loved one, get to know the staff as well and join in community events. By becoming part of the community, you too will become better adjusted to the changes going on.
Remember that adjustment can take time. Just as anything with dementia, there are setbacks as well as positive steps forward. Your loved one may seem fine one day, and the next be asking if you are there to take her home. If possible, wait to take her on outings until she has normalized the new space and recognizes it as “home.” Some good signs that she’s adjusted are regularly eating and making friends with residents and staff.
Change can be tough for all of us, and as you know, dementia can be unpredictable. These tips are no guarantee that the transition to memory care will be smooth, but remember you’re not alone – you have help. Lean on the community staff when you need a helping hand. They’re professionally trained to care for your loved one, and have helped many family members just like you adapt to this change.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.
We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.
Inspiration for Success
At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents each and every day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.