Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is a profound act of love. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 11 million Americans selflessly dedicate their time and energy to provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
However, there may come a time when the challenges surpass what can be managed at home, and a higher level of care becomes necessary. If you’re considering memory care for your loved one, you’re not alone. This article will guide you through the process, explaining what memory care entails, offering practical tips for preparing for the transition, and exploring the memory care options available at Friendship Village of Bloomington.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specific type of care provided at a senior living community for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Residents live full-time in supportive surroundings where professional caregivers are available to provide direct care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
At memory care communities, residents enjoy their own private residences and have access to community amenities. Compassionate team members work with each individual to create a custom wellness plan that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs. This may include everything from assistance with dressing and bathing to medication management.
The supportive memory care setting also offers specialized activities designed to help residents reconnect with their favorite pastimes, creating a sense of purpose, belonging, and comfort.
Memory Care Move-In Checklist: 3 Things to Do Before a Move to Memory Care
Deciding it’s time for your loved one to transition to memory care is a significant and often emotional step. Careful planning and preparation can significantly smooth the journey for everyone involved. Here are three actions you can take to ease the transition:
1. Craft a Personalized Plan
Every individual’s needs are unique, so creating a tailored plan is essential for a seamless transition. This plan might include budgeting for monthly care costs, updating important documents, preparing a thoughtful packing list, detailing medications and dietary needs, and scheduling the move-in date and time. By anticipating and addressing these details in advance, you’ll minimize surprises and create a sense of calm for your loved one.
2. Embrace a Familiar Routine
Establishing a well-defined schedule and adhering to it benefits everyone involved in the move. It also provides family members the time they need to process and prepare for the change, while also ensuring the community is fully ready to welcome your loved one. Consider scheduling the move for the morning, when individuals with dementia often experience greater clarity and alertness.
3. Create Surroundings Rich with Familiarity
Even when the decision for memory care is made with love and understanding, change can be initially unsettling. To soften the impact, visit the community ahead of time and personalize your loved one’s new living space. Surround them with familiar comforts from home, cherished photos, and beloved keepsakes. By creating a sense of continuity and belonging, you can focus your energy on providing emotional support during the move itself.
How to Handle Memory Care Moving Day
When moving day finally arrives, it can be filled with feelings that range from anxiety and guilt to excitement and relief. The best way to navigate this rollercoaster is to stick to the plans you made and follow these general guidelines.
- Don’t overstay. As hard as it can be, don’t turn moving day into a big family event that lasts for hours. It’s better to help your loved one get settled into their space than allow them the freedom to explore activities and meet neighbors and team members on their own.
- Trust the team. Memory care team members are highly skilled at what they do and have experience in these sometimes difficult transitions. Though letting go of control is challenging, there’s a reason you enlisted their help. Try to follow their advice and let them take the lead as much as possible.
- Ask for updates. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to stay informed, especially in the early days of the move to memory care. Team members will gladly provide updates over the phone or send photos. It’s also best to direct day-of-move updates through the team to avoid confusion for your loved one.
After the Move to Memory Care
The days and weeks after the move to memory care may be highly emotional. Trust your plan and use these tips to guide you along the way.
- Limit your visits. Allow your loved one to get immersed in their new community and hold off on any visits for the first couple of weeks.
- Give the decision time. When you have a loved one contacting you and asking to come home, it’s difficult to say no. Trust your plan and give it time. Meeting new friends or discovering interesting activities can turn their feelings around overnight.
- Take care of yourself. Both you and your loved one are going through a major transition. Though you may be used to the role of caregiver, it’s important to take care of yourself. Talk about your feelings with trusted friends and family, and lean on the experience of the community’s memory care team.
Explore Memory Care Options at Friendship Village of Bloomington
At Friendship Village of Bloomington, we have a wide range of health services, from skilled nursing to senior memory care. Our top priority is ensuring the wellness of residents, helping them pursue their passions and get the most out of each day.
If you’d like to learn more about what makes our community so special or want to schedule a visit to experience it for yourself, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
