The Caregiver Move-In Guide for Loved Ones With Dementia

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If you’ve consulted with a professional about the continuing decline of your loved one’s memory, you might find that moving them to a memory care facility in a senior living community is the best option. Once you find the best home for them and make appropriate financial arrangements, you’ll need to come up with a plan to transition your loved one from their current home to the new one. Here are some things to keep in mind when moving your loved one to their new home.

Before Move-In

Moving is a big transition for everyone, emotionally and physically. There’s a lot of preparation and planning that goes into it beforehand. Consider implementing the following to make your loved one comfortable:

  • Establish a straightforward, comforting script. Your loved one will have questions, and often the same ones, so it’s best to be honest and have your desired wording prepared about the move to a place where they’ll be safe.
  • Limit or do not include your loved one in planning or packing for the move. Processes with multiple steps and decision-making are very hard on those with memory problems. Minimize panic and discomfort by packing while they’re away or asleep.
  • Don’t pack too much. You’ll want to bring some things that will make them feel comfortable and familiar in their new home, but too many items and options in clothes will be overwhelming and confusing.
  • Attend some events or activities at the senior living community your loved one is moving to so they can get accustomed to the people there and programs they provide. Visit the memory care facility a few times before moving in as well, so it becomes more familiar, comfortable, and easy to settle into.
  • Converse with staff about best practices for transition and share important details about your loved one so their connection and support can be strong.

During Move-In

Many caregivers wonder how much to involve their loved one during move-in day as it disrupts their usual routines and involves new information, places, and people. Every family is different, so consider the following for move-in day:

  • Though moving is not a normal everyday occurrence, try to keep your loved one’s daily routine during move-in day. If possible, schedule move-in during your loved one’s best time in the day to avoid uncomfortable moods and sundowning.
  • Encourage your loved one to socialize and engage during the move. If you can schedule to move in when an activity is happening at the senior living community so your loved one can participate and familiarize themselves with the space, that’s great!
  • Personalize your loved one’s new home with familiar belongings. Label items, bring family photos, decorate their door, and create a reminiscence board or activity box based on their career, hobbies, and interests. You don’t have to move everything you planned to bring at once. Start with the most meaningful belongings and work with staff to make the space feel homey and accessible.
  • When you finish for the day, be sure that any boxes, suitcases, or moving items are put away to prevent any confusion for your loved one.

After Move-In

Once your loved one is all moved in and settled into their new home, there may be challenges with emotions and continuing normalcy. Consider these tips for a smooth transition into their new life at the senior living community:

  • Find a way for you or other family members to regularly visit your loved one at the senior living community and partake in events, holidays, and activities there with them.
  • Work with staff to validate your loved one’s feelings and reassess needs as they arise. Listen to any of your loved one’s concerns about settling into the community and collaborate with staff on how to address them, such as trying different activities to make friends and finding a regular hobby to partake in.
  • Wait until your loved one has settled in their new home for a month or two before taking them on outings. They’ll need to get acclimated to the community, and having too many locations back-to-back, such as their previous home, new home, and other places, can be jarring for them.
  • Be prepared for more challenging days and hold firm to your decisions. You know moving to the senior living community is best for both you and your loved one. While it’s a very big change that can occasionally ruffle feathers, it’s the first of many important decisions you’ll have to make and stand with.

Learn more about your options for memory care with individualized resources based on your needs through our 5-minute survey powered by Roobrik here.

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.