Caring for an older parent with any form of dementia or memory impairment can be incredibly challenging. It’s a delicate situation that requires a careful touch. And that’s where memory care comes in! These communities provide specialized care and support for older adults with dementia and other forms of memory impairment. So, how can you make a smooth transition to memory care?
Tips for a smooth transition for parents with dementia into memory care include:
- Plan ahead and make a schedule
- Visit the community ahead of time
- Talk to the community representatives
- Openly communicate with your parent
- Make things exciting
And once the move is over, our team is here to help ease the transition for your parent to their new home!
Plan Ahead & Make a Schedule
When you’re trying to make anything go smoothly, it helps to plan ahead. So sit down, take some time, and make a proper schedule for what to do before, during, and after the move.
This can help lower your stress and give you clear goalposts to aim for. By breaking the move down into smaller chunks, the entire process can become much more manageable!
Visit the Community Ahead of Time
Before you make a decision, there’s an important step to take: visiting potential memory care communities ahead of time. Many communities, including ours, offer virtual tours or in-person visits so you and your parent can see exactly what things will be like in their future home! During your visit, try to:
- Take note of the environment and layout
- See how the staff and residents interact with each other
- Check the staff-to-resident ratio
- Ask about any paperwork that can explain things
- Ask questions!
This can help you get a better sense of whether or not it’ll be a suitable home for your parent. Sometimes, you just need to see for yourself what your options are, so make sure you plan ahead and schedule your visit!
Talk to the Community Representatives
While visiting the community, take the opportunity to talk to the representatives and staff working on-site. Our team can provide you with any information you need about the care and services we offer, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions.
We understand this can be a big decision and are here to help ease your mind and address concerns.
Openly Communicate with Your Parent
When you’re ready to make your decision, make sure you sit down with your parent and openly communicate. This step is crucial.
Then, involve them in the decision-making process. Listen to their thoughts and feelings! If they visited potential communities with you, ask what they thought. What did they like? What didn’t they enjoy? Did anything worry them?
Remember that this decision is going to have a big impact on your parent’s life, so be supportive. You both want your parent to be happy wherever they are, so their opinion is absolutely paramount.
Make Things Exciting
When planning a move into memory care, it can help to make things exciting and enjoyable!
So it can help to:
- Find out about the programs and activities offered by the community
- Learn what’s nearby
- Plan visits ahead of time
- Discuss the benefits of moving to a caring, supportive community
This can help ease the adjustment for your parent and create a positive experience. After all, this is going to be their home—so get excited! It’s a new chapter in their life story, and that doesn’t have to be sad.
Go Easy on Yourself
During this process, you may feel an odd mix of emotions. After all, when you’ve been caring for a parent with dementia of any degree, it’s complicated. And it’s completely okay to need some support for yourself. Caregiver burnout is a real thing, and it can have consequences if you don’t take care of yourself. So don’t forget to:
- Seek emotional support from friends, family, or a support group
- Practice self-care activities like exercising, meditating, and pursuing your own hobbies
- Consider seeking professional help or counseling if needed
Remember: you deserve care and support just like everybody else. So go easy on yourself! You’re making the right choice for your parent.
Easing the Transition into Memory Care
Making the transition to memory care is a big step for both you and your parent. If you’re considering memory care for your loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Juniper Village at Brookline for more information. We can provide guidance, answer any questions you may have, and help you navigate this decision. Contact us today to learn more! We’re here for you and your loved one.