If you have decided to shift a loved one to a memory care facility in Marco Island, FL; you might be worried about the moving process for them. After all, even though the shift is definitely beneficial for you and your loved ones, change can still be intimidating. Thankfully, there are ways to make the transition easier, simpler, and much more comfortable for them.
Read on for the top tips and tricks to help make the shift as easy as possible.
Make Ample Preparation
Moving is tough at any age, but it is more difficult for those in their golden years who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. There are, however, certain actions you can take to ease your loved one’s move into a memory care community and make them feel more at peace during the process. The key to a successful and peaceful shift is to include your loved one as much as possible.
And this means involving them before, during, and after the relocation. For instance, you can encourage them to ask any questions, ideas, or worries they have.
Even if you do not have answers to all of their concerns or questions, you can set their minds at ease by telling them you are here for them and that you will go through this process together with them. You can also seek assistance from the team members in the community who specialize in assisting persons with dementia. They are a helpful resource who can give ideas to assist your loved ones to relax when they are stressed.
Communicate with Team Members
You probably have visited the community and asked team members various questions before deciding on a place for your loved one. For a successful moving day though, it is critical to continue the dialogue, even after your loved one has shifted.
Take a few times during visits with your loved one to interact with team members. Keeping in contact with team members regularly is a great way to understand better how is your loved ones adjusting to the shift, and if there are any ways you can assist them.
With that said, most memory care communities ask family members to submit thorough information about their loved ones prior to moving in, including their dislikes, likes, and what makes them distinctive. We recommend you share as specific as possible. The more details you offer, the faster team members will be able to help and connect with your loved one.
Familiarize the Area
Making your loved one feel at ease in their new environment is a simple but effective technique to help them transition seamlessly to a memory care facility. And one of the best ways to do so is to familiarize with the area.
What this means is to include familiar artifacts around each area as you move things and prepare your loved one’s living place for them. For instance, you and your loved ones can take along their favorite piece of furniture, such as their favorite coffee table.
Decorating the space with images of family and friends, or bringing old photo albums with them is another great idea. Place tiny mementos or trinkets that your loved one is used to seeing throughout the room. Bringing over a favorite pillow, or comfort blanket can also help them familiarize with the new environment and ease them into their new community.
