Moving a senior loved one into memory care is a daunting task. Besides the emotional aspect that family members go through and all the arrangements that must be made, the actual move itself can be difficult and confusing for the individual with dementia. In a perfect world, we would be able to take our time, adjust slowly and have a completely smooth transition – along with perfect weather so that shuffling things to and fro is a breeze. Unfortunately, we sometimes don’t have the time to wait for perfect conditions. This may be the case for you or a loved one who needs to move into memory care during the winter months.
“Winter poses many hazards for seniors, which can make moving even more stressful during this timeframe,” says Chrissy Ross, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee. “However, moving into memory care during the winter months can actually be a huge benefit to your loved one, and to you as well. Knowing that your loved one with memory issues is safe and comfortable in a community where there’s always heat, food and no snow to shovel provides a lot of peace of mind for family members.”
Moving in winter, she says, can also mean more hands to help you out. “Friends and family members can pitch in and help you with details, even if they won’t be there on the actual moving day,” says Chrissy. “Visiting loved ones can help pack belongings, shuttle items that aren’t needed to donation sites, help get the room ready or simply sit with your loved one while you handle details.”
If your loved one will be moving into memory care this winter, here are some tips to help make the transition as easy as possible.
1. Make the memory care community a familiar place.
There are lots of fun events and activities taking place at memory care communities during the holidays. From carolers to visits from Santa to fun crafts and special meals, they’re a jolly place to be – which means that there are many great opportunities for you to take your loved one so they can become familiar with the space. Try to have your loved one visit the community several times before moving day so that they (and you) start to make friends, learn the faces of the staff and feel more comfortable navigating the space.
2. Plan around the weather.
The last thing you want on moving day is to be dealing with snowstorms, hail, ice and blustery winds. A few weeks before moving day, you’ll want to keep a close eye on weather predictions and be prepared to make course corrections if it looks like the Snowstorm Of the Season is due to arrive. Keep in touch with the movers and the memory care community – don’t worry, they’ve done this all before and are no strangers to having to navigate around weather. In fact, they would also rather be safe than sorry.
3. Find a senior-friendly moving service.
This tip has twofold importance: one, you definitely want to hire movers, because this isn’t a move that you should attempt by yourself. Hiring professionals will make the move much easier, faster and more coordinated (meaning you’ll be able to handle any additional, last-minute tasks that pop up). Second, hiring a moving service that is accustomed to and has extensive knowledge of moving seniors will help make the process easier for your loved one. This can be a very emotional time for your loved one and will be confusing as items get packed up and taken away. Professional movers who are skilled with moving seniors will be able to help manage the emotional situation as well as the logistics.
4. Prep the house for success.
Moving is messy, and you don’t want the carpets to become sodden messes of snow, salt and mud. The day before the movers come, lay down plastic tarps in high-traffic areas so that your floors stay protected and clean. On moving day, turn the heat off (yes, we know it sounds counterintuitive) since there will be a lot of doors opening and closing (and letting heat slip out). You aren’t attempting to warm the outdoors. Finally, be sure driveways and sidewalks are clear and ice free – you don’t want anyone slipping and having an accident.
5. Keep to a routine as much as possible.
Change is difficult for seniors with dementia, and moving into memory care is going to be one of the biggest changes they (and you) will face. On the day of the move, do your best to stick to a routine that’s familiar to your loved one. Schedule the actual “move” part when your senior is at his or her best, whether that’s first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Don’t make a big fuss about the situation – try and act as normal as possible to keep your loved one comfortable and calm.
6. Have familiar faces help out.
Your loved one will have an easier time if familiar people are around on move-in day. Besides yourself, have a family member, close friend or home aide come with you and help your loved one settle in. Don’t invite too many people, but a handful is just fine. Not only will your loved one be surrounded by people who care about them, you’ll also have the support you need to make the move easier for you as well.
7. Be flexible and stay safe.
Moving is stressful no matter what the situation, and the winter months can make it even more so. Do your best to deal with changes with grace and flexibility and stay as positive as possible – even though we know it can be hard. Remember that it’s better to push things back if the weather isn’t cooperating. This, too, shall pass – and before you know it, your loved one will be safely at home in their new home and enjoying all the benefits and services the memory care community has to offer.
Peace of Mind for Cape Cod Seniors and Their Families
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Age in Place
While many memory care assisted living communities are unable to care for those whose memory loss has progressed, Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee can continue to provide a home and care no matter the stage. Our age in place philosophy helps residents avoid the stress often associated with moving to another community and offers peace of mind to their families. Perhaps the best benefit, your loved one remains in the care of those they’ve grown to know and trust.
Supportive, Engaging Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee, we offer a program of care and services that celebrates life and supports individual strengths. Our compassionate and engaging approach adapts to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, families can be sure their loved one will receive a full array of services and a high level of personalized attention.
Contact us today to learn more.