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How to Help a Loved One Transition to Memory Care

Adult caregiver helping a loved one transition to memory care.

As a caregiver, it’s never easy to admit you need help. But there will come a time when you have to make difficult decisions for your loved one and their future. Especially as your loved one’s memory declines, it is important for them to have access to around-the-clock care, and that is something you can’t possibly provide.

After you have made all necessary arrangements with key family members, healthcare professionals and have settled on a memory care facility, it’s time to focus your attention on making the transition as smooth as possible for your loved one.

5 Ways to Ease the Stress of Moving a Parent to Memory Care

The most important thing to remember throughout a major transition to memory care is that every person is different, and every person reacts to change differently. Be patient, supportive and seek out help when you need it. However, to help ease the transition into memory care, there are some tactics you can use to make things a little less stressful for you, and more importantly, for your loved one.

  1. Do Advance Preparation
    As the main caregiver for your loved one, it is your job to do research and find the best memory care facility. Learn the types of programs they offer, tour the accommodations and meet with staff members.Once you make a final decision, do your best to handle all moving preparation, planning, and packing yourself. Keep stress levels for your loved one as low as possible and be sure to focus on packing the key items that are most important for your loved one to have when they move. Asking for a floor plan is a great way to pre-plan the space and make packing easier.
  2. Rely on Healthcare Professionals
    While the transition to memory care might be new for you and your loved one, it’s something healthcare providers deal with every single day. Lean on trusted doctors to help talk to your loved one and help it feel as though they are part of the decision-making process.Making the transition feel like a positive one is important, and many seniors trust the advice of healthcare professionals over their family and friends. Don’t take offense to this, use it to your advantage to get more buy-in from your loved one.
  3. Get Mentally Prepared
    There will be good days and bad days. Your loved one will likely require a lot of your time and attention early on in the moving process. Be aware that this transition should be your primary focus for a couple of months. Take time off of work as needed, find someone to help with kids’ daily routines, and arrange for a family friend to support your efforts when you need a day off.As frustrating as it can be at the beginning, it’s important to remember it will get better. Everyday your loved one will get a little more adjusted to their new surroundings and you will once again feel confident that you made the right choice for their wellbeing.
  4. Give Your Loved One Space
    As important as it is for you to be there to hold your loved one’s hand every step of the journey into memory care, it’s just as important to let them spread their wings on their own. Help them get involved in programs and allow them room to make new friends.

There is nothing easy about making the transition to memory care and there is no magic solution to make things better. The best advice is to make the transition slowly, methodically, and with purpose. And just remember, the feelings your loved one has about memory care are temporary. Over time, things will get easier.

Find Supportive Memory Care Services at Monticello West

As the go-to memory care community in Park Cities, Texas, Monticello West has earned its reputation within the community. Our memory care community is designed to provide every resident with the highest quality of life through enriching programming, professional caregivers, and meaningful social interaction. Please contact us today to learn more about our memory care services and to schedule a tour.