Making the Transition to Memory Care: What Families Should Know

When it comes to making the decision to transition a family member into memory care, emotions can run high. It can be difficult to accept this reality and make decisions that are best for both your loved one and your family. As such, it is important for families to be informed about what memory care entails and how they can best support their loved one during this process.

Memory care refers to a specific type of senior living that caters to individuals with memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These facilities provide 24/7 care and supervision in a secure environment that is designed to meet the needs of those who have difficulty remembering or completing daily tasks. They also offer therapeutic activities, social programs, and specialized nutrition to address the physical and emotional requirements of those with memory loss.

Moving a family member to memory care can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, it is necessary to ensure that your loved one gets the best care. To make the transition easier, here are some tips for families:

• Educate Yourself: Research different memory care facilities and find out what services they offer. Ask about their staff qualifications, safety protocols, and any other questions that you may have.

• Comfort Your Loved One: It can be difficult for someone with memory loss to comprehend why a change is necessary. To keep reminding them that a change is coming can actually cause a great deal of anxiety.  There’s no need to keep telling your family member they will be moving because generally they do not have the capacity to recall the information and continuing to remind them is simply not productive. The best thing is to provide loving, compassionate support.

• Include Your Family Member in Decisions: With the understanding that nobody (especially an elderly person with dementia) looks forward to a change in their living environment,  involve your loved one in some of the small details if appropriate. Selection of new linens, towels, things to make their space homey.

• Make the Space Feel Like Home: Bring items from your family member’s home such as photos, furniture, knickknacks, and their favorite books or magazines. These familiar objects will help them feel more comfortable in their new home.

Making the transition to memory care can be a difficult decision for families, but with proper preparation and support, it can be a successful one. It is important to remember that these changes are being made with the best interests of your family member in mind.

For more information on memory care and how to make the transition easier for your family, contact us at https://briarclifferi.com/contact/. We are here to provide you and your loved one with the resources necessary for a smooth transition.

We understand that every family member’s needs and situation are unique, so our team is committed to working with you to ensure the best possible experience for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!