6 Steps to Ease the Transition Into Memory Care in Edwardsville, IL
Are you familiar with the self-proclaimed "The Most Epic Moving Checklist?" It details things like creating a digital file with records associated with the move eight weeks before.
The week of the move, you're advised to remove leftover food from the fridge, unplug it, and clean your old home. Once you've moved into the new place, you should deep clean it and consider installing a security system.
The transition into memory care is similar. You and your loved ones must do certain things before and after they've moved in. Research, for example, is vital to choosing the right place.
Below is a list of Edwardsville memory care tips to ensure a smooth transition to the care community. Read on to learn more.
1. Research
When choosing an item, like a phone, many people will compile a list of what phones have qualities that best suit them. Memory care planning should work somewhat like this.
You may have a list of communities throughout Edwardsville or nearby that you think are best for your loved ones. However, there are specific qualities you should look for, including:
- Is the staff equipped to take care of people with dementia?
- Will they get to know your parents?
- Does the staff build rapport with residents?
- Is the staff friendly and welcoming?
- Does the community have individual care plans for residents?
- What are the meals like?
- Do they accommodate allergies and other medical conditions?
- Is the memory care community clean and well-maintained?
- How much does the community cost?
- Do they offer payment plans or discount programs?
These questions will help you get to know the establishment and the staff. It may help to ask people you know with loved ones in the communities.
2. Discuss the Move
Do not attempt to move your loved ones into memory care without their knowledge. Legally speaking, you cannot do this unless your loved one is legally stated to be unable to care for themselves.
If you feel this is the case -- after having spoken to medical professionals -- you can seek to place them in memory care through a guardianship or conservatorship.
It's best to gently broach the subject and openly listen to their concerns about the move. Answer questions concisely and be sure to clear up any anxieties.
How well the discussion goes may depend on how advanced the dementia is. It's not advised to broach the subject in advance to anyone with a relatively advanced diagnosis.
Wait until close upon the move to tell them. It may help to leave them with the impression that the move is temporary until they're used to their new surroundings.
3. Seek Support
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia can be stressful and lonely. These feelings won't simply end now that you're preparing for memory care.
There are support groups for people living with dementia and their families and friends. These are called "memory cafes," which help develop safe and healthy coping skills.
You can also seek out counselors and social workers who work with older adults. These professionals can offer relaxation techniques and other information to help ease anxiety.
Don't forget to ask your parent's health provider if they know of any resources that may help. Their knowledge can be helpful unto itself; they can advise you on the best ways to help yourself and your loved ones.
4. Pack and Declutter
One of the great things about moving is that it allows you to declutter and downsize your loved one's surroundings. Your parent's new space is likely smaller than their current home, so there's less room for things.
Memory loss often impacts decision-making -- you may have to make the tough decision to leave your loved one out of the packing and decluttering process.
You can throw out broken, damaged, and unrepairable items. Pack favored things like a favorite mug, family photo, or records. Pay close attention to things that make your loved one feel happy and at home.
5. Move When Your Loved One Is at Their Best
Sundowning is a set of symptoms people with dementia often suffer during the late afternoon and evening. Confusion and anxiety are common when sundowning. Other symptoms include:
- Pacing back and forth
- Agitation and aggressiveness
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep issues
If your loved one suffers from sundowning, moving during the early day may be best. You can ensure they have more time to settle in while they're at their best.
6. Speak to Staff and Schedule Visits
The care staff knows how to care for your parents; however, you're the one who knows them best. Telling the caretakers about their likes and interests can go far in helping them receive the best care possible.
Let the staff know about your loved ones:
- Dislikes
- Hobbies
- Favorite stories
- Favorite foods
- Favorite music
Being surrounded by things they like can go far in creating a smooth transition to a care community. Your loved one won't instantly get used to being in a new environment surrounded by new people.
Regularly scheduled visits can also help with the transition into memory care. However, visiting too often can make it difficult for them to adjust.
They may become accustomed to you being there and start thinking of you as a semi-permanent future. Listen to the staff's advice on when and how often you should see your parents.
Streamline the Transition Into Memory Care
Moving to memory care can be difficult and stressful. You must select the right place and make the transition easy for your parents.
Addington Place of Edwardsville seeks to make the transition into memory care as smooth as possible. Our staff are professionally trained and will welcome your loved ones with open arms.
We offer resident-focused programs and services designed to slow the progression of their condition. The community has beautiful grounds for boarders to congregate and converse with each other.
Contact us if you're looking for a safe, reliable place for your loved ones to call home. We can schedule a tour for you. Remember to speak with our staff about our Military Veterans discount plan.