How to Help a Loved One Settle Into Memory Care

You may know that transitioning a loved one into a Memory Care program when they’re living with memory loss is the right choice to make. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be challenging to manage, especially when it comes to keeping them and your family safe.

However, knowing they can thrive in Memory Care doesn’t mean you’ll know how to ensure they settle in well and feel at home. You may improve your chances of a positive experience by taking these actions:

Choose the Right Memory Care Provider

Part of helping your loved one settle into a Memory Care program involves choosing the right Memory Care program provider. The more highly regarded they are, the easier it might be for your loved one to feel looked after, comfortable, and cared for.

The best senior living communities with Memory Care programs typically offer comfortable accommodation, secure grounds, valuable therapies and programs, and a range of helpful services and amenities.

Talk Openly and Honestly

Depending on how advanced your loved one’s dementia is, there are no guarantees that talking openly and honestly about a Memory Care program is going to be helpful. However, it can be worth trying. Avoid being secretive about the move, as it may lead to stress, frustration, and confusion once moving day arrives.

Personalize Their New Home

When you’ve moved your loved one into a comfortable and safe studio within a senior living community, you can help them feel more at home by personalizing it. Most senior living communities do their best to decorate their studios and apartments for warmth, comfort, and relaxation. However, there’s nothing quite like a few creature comforts to feel more at home.

Soft toys, photos, keepsakes, and blankets are just a few of the many apartment additions you might consider to make your loved one’s studio feel more familiar.

Prioritize a New Routine

It can be challenging for people to feel comfortable and at ease in their home environment if they don’t yet have an established routine. Don’t underestimate the value of helping your loved one create that routine.

You might visit at the same time every day, help them participate in activities, and encourage them to socialize with their peers. This support and encouragement might be all it takes to help them adjust and start to thrive in their new home.

Be Involved

Moving your loved one into a Memory Care program doesn’t have to mean you stop being involved in their lives and daily care. In fact, you can still maintain your presence in their lives the same way you did before.

Stay involved by communicating with staff, visiting often, and attending care plan meetings. Your involvement can mean you’re able to make decisions for your loved one and their health and well-being.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of a loved one living with a form of memory loss can take its toll. You might get very little time for yourself and feel guilty about moving them into a senior living community.

It’s important to take care of yourself during this period of change. Seek support from your friends and family, or join a support group. You can also rest assured that as challenging as it can be to seek alternative living arrangements for your loved one, they’re in the right place to thrive and live a safe and fulfilling life.

Settle Into Elison Senior Living of Pinecrest

It can be hard to transition a loved one into a Memory Care program. However, your family can enjoy much-needed peace of mind at Elison Senior Living of Pinecrest. We prioritize our residents’ health and well-being and go the extra mile to help them settle in as quickly as possible.

Schedule a tour of our vibrant senior living community today. We look forward to helping your loved one get settled in.