Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is never easy—it’s life-changing for the affected individual and his or her family and friends. Deciding to move a loved one to a memory care community can be especially difficult and overwhelming. Below are some tips and information for communicating with a loved one about the impending move, how to prepare, and what to bring.
Find memory care in your neighborhood.
All Moves Have an Adjustment Period
Remember that moving is difficult for anyone, whether you have dementia or not. It will take time for your loved one to adjust to their new surroundings, and the temporary uneasiness they may experience can lead to anger and insecurity. Be patient with your loved one and make a plan to help ease the transition.
Here are some items to consider when choosing what your loved one should have in their new home:
Items that Encourage Comfort:
Where are they most content? It might be their favorite recliner, kitchen table, or sewing machine. Please take a picture of the place of comfort in their current home, then carefully pack it up and try to replicate it in their new memory care apartment. The things and places that bring them comfort are those they’ve been using for a lifetime.
Items that Remind Them of Their Strengths:
What is your loved one’s greatest strength; what has brought them great joy throughout their life? Was he an amazing golfer, or did she bake the best pies in town? Knowing their greatness is key to helping create moments of joy for your loved ones and ensuring they find comfort and familiarity in their new home.
Their Bed and Everything Around It:
What kind of pillows do they sleep with, and how many? What is their favorite blanket? What has to be on the nightstand next to the bed, and on which side of the bed is it? Their bed should be a place of comfort. Consider using the bedding they recognize instead of buying new items that could create confusion.
Most people dislike change, especially when it involves relocation. It can cause anxiety and frustration for your loved one. Here’s the reality, though—your loved one’s short-term memory loss can work as a positive in this circumstance. Deciding what to move with your loved one and what to leave behind can be a daunting task; here are some items to consider bringing along:
Clothing and Personal Items
Choose clothes that they like to wear, because clothing can significantly impact their mood. If your loved one always wore overalls or dresses, don’t pack a lot of pants.
- 5-8 of their favorite clothing items
- 2-3 sweaters
- Bathrobe
- 2 pairs of slippers
- 2 pairs of comfortable shoes
- 1 lightweight jacket and 1 heavier coat
- Toiletries
Items Meant to Spark Old Memories
They lose their short-term memory but retain many long-term memories; we must learn how to trigger them.
What To Avoid:
Remember, the new memory care community will provide meals, housekeeping, laundry, activities, transportation, etc., so there’s no need to pack the whole house! Also, remember that things can get misplaced, especially in memory care, so avoid bringing priceless family heirlooms, expensive items, or anything you wouldn’t want to share with your new neighbors.
Check out our blog, “Where Are My Mom’s Things”, to learn more about why leaving some of those precious items in a safe place is a good idea.
If you’re interested in exploring senior living options to support your loved one with memory loss, please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.
