When a loved one has any form of Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, their well-being and quality of life become top priorities. Making the decision to transition them to a memory care community is one of the most challenging choices family members face.
Understanding the process and knowing what to expect can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. Read on to learn more about all of the steps involved.
Step 1: Recognizing the Need for Memory Care
As dementia progresses, the level of care required often surpasses what can be provided at in-home care or in an assisted living community. Signs that it might be time to consider memory care include:
- Memory Loss: Cognitive decline and increasing memory loss can affect daily functioning.
- Behavior Changes: Noticeable changes in behavior, such as increased agitation or withdrawal.
- Safety Concerns: Frequent disorientation, wandering, or forgetting essential tasks that compromise safety.
- Caregiver Stress: When the demands of caregiving become overwhelming for family members or in-home caregivers.
- Decline in Health: Physical signs of decline, such as weight loss or frequent falls.
Read our blog “7 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care” to learn more.
Step 2: Researching Memory Care Communities
Choosing the right memory care community involves careful consideration and research. In addition to looking online, schedule visits to find out more about these elements:
- Level of Care Provided: Ensure the community can provide the necessary level of care for your loved one’s specific needs.
- Staff Members: Look for experienced and compassionate staff trained in dementia care.
- Safety Features: Check for security measures such as alarmed doors and secure outdoor spaces.
- Healthcare Services: Availability of comprehensive healthcare services to manage other medical conditions.
- Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy can help slow down the process of memory loss and encourage the brain to work on making new memories and/or maintaining its overall function.
- Schedule of Activities: Look for a memory care that will ensure your loved one gets in daily activities to keep them moving and integrated with their community.
- Communication with Family: Families should be up to speed on all things medication, therapy, treatments, sicknesses, etc. Be sure that they have a plan for communication that you are comfortable with.
Look around, get a feel for the staff, and see how the residents look while you’re there! This interaction with the facility will give you a better idea of what your loved one would experience while they are there.
Step 3: The Move-In Process
Moving into a new home can be stressful, but there are ways to make it fun! Here are some tips on how to go about the process:
- Preparation: Begin by preparing your loved one for the move. Discuss the new environment and the benefits of the transition.
- Involve Family Members: Encourage family members to be part of the move-in process to provide support and reassurance.
- Personalize the New Living Space: Bring familiar items to help your loved one feel more at home in their new environment.
- Establish a Care Plan: When in the new community, work with the care staff to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs.
Step 4: Supporting Your Loved One in the Transition
The transition to memory care can be emotional for an older adult. Here are ways to support your loved one:
- Help Them Maintain a Daily Routine: Consistency helps reduce their anxiety and confusion.
- Encourage Socialization: Engage them to participate in activities that promote social interaction and mental stimulation.
- Regular Visits: Research suggests a correlation between loneliness and negative health outcomes for seniors, so the more face-to-face time they have with you, the better. Come visit them as often as you can, not just to enjoy their company but also to check on their mood, diet, physical health, and overall care.
Step 5: Transitioning Yourself From Caregiver to Advocate
When a loved one moves into a memory care community, the role of the family members who previously cared for them changes. That change can be strange and difficult. Here are a few tips on how to shift your focus and become a great advocate for your older relative and their care plan.
- Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you also take care of your well-being to remain a supportive caregiver.
- Join Support Groups: Connect with other families going through similar experiences for mutual support and advice.
- Know Your Resources: There are many resources online to help both seniors and their care partners, from the AARP to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to the National Institute on Aging. Explore these resources. You likely have many questions already, and you will probably have more after you know more about memory care. Consider joining an email list or subscribing to a blog like this one.
Need Help With Any of These Steps? Contact Us
Transitioning to a memory care community is a significant step in ensuring the best possible care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. By understanding the decision-making process and what to expect, families can make informed choices that prioritize the health and happiness of their loved ones.
Memory care communities like Avista are committed to providing exceptional dementia care in a compassionate and supportive environment. For more information about our memory care services, please contact Avista— where your loved ones are in the best hands.
For more information on our other long-term care options, such as respite care or assisted living communities, schedule a tour of any of our senior living communities.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.