If you are caring for an aging loved one, chances are you will one day find yourself having to transition them into a memory care community. Many of us experience significant memory changes as we age and may develop conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. These conditions can make it very difficult to care for a loved one on your own, making a memory care community the best option.
As difficult of a decision as this is, it is always going to be in their best interest, as additional care may be required. This transition can feel very overwhelming, but there are certain things you can do to make it easier for both yourself in preventing caregiver burnout and your loved one. Keep reading to find out how you can smoothly transition them into a Park Ridge, IL, memory care community.
1. Practice Open Communication
During the transition to a Park Ridge, IL, memory care community, you should focus on practicing open communication with your loved one. Many times, seniors are much more aware of what is going on around them than you may think and can recognize when things are changing. Being open with them about this move can help ease their mind and give them a better understanding of why this is happening.
Seniors who are struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia may also experience more feelings of anxiety, especially if their environment is changing. You want to recognize these emotions and communicate that they are going somewhere safe where they will belong to a community and be cared for.
You should try to avoid making overwhelming statements to your loved one that could confuse or agitate them. For example, instead of saying that their home is no longer safe, you could tell them that a memory care community in Park Ridge will provide them with a beautiful living space and a maintenance-free lifestyle where their daily needs will always be met.
2. Take Advantage of Resources
As a caregiver, the process of transitioning your loved one into a memory care community can be very difficult, practically and emotionally. That is why it is so useful to take advantage of the resources that memory care communities provide for family members. These are usually free resources that help break down this transition, helping you to better understand what you need to do and what your loved one is going through.
Summit of Uptown Park Ridge provides many resources like these, such as a resource on Where to Turn In the Early Stages of Dementia. These types of resources can be useful for you as well as your loved one so that both of you are on the same page.
The memory care community may also provide additional resources, such as programs to aid in this transition. If you have any concerns, make sure you make these known to the care team so that they can answer any questions you may have.
3. Create a Partnership
One of the hardest transitions for seniors is having to give up much of their independence as they start to experience memory difficulties. This is easier said than done since they may feel that they have no control over their lives or they may feel confused about what is going on.
In some instances, your loved one may become resistant to this change, especially if they have been living at home or struggling with anxiety. It can be difficult to change their mind, so you want to create a partnership with them instead.
Help your loved one understand that this is a joint decision and that they have a voice throughout this process. A great example of this is taking your loved one to look at different memory care communities with you. This can help them to feel involved in the process and reassure them that these communities are nice places.
4. Personalize Their New Space
Once you have moved your loved one to a memory care community in Park Ridge, IL, the next step of this transition begins. Now, you want to dedicate time to making sure your loved one settles in and feels safe in their new environment.
Creating a space that feels personalized and cheerful is incredibly important for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Their apartment is going to be their safe space, and you want to make sure this feels familiar and inviting.
5. Plan Regular Visits
Moving your loved one into a memory care community is difficult for both of you, especially if you have been their full-time caregiver. A great way to ensure this transition goes smoothly is to plan regular visits shortly after the move.
You could pick certain days every week that you visit your loved one, or you could come at a certain time every day. Seeing a familiar face can reassure them that this is a good place and that they haven’t been abandoned. You can also take advantage of these visits and explore the community with your loved one, encouraging them to get involved with different activities and enjoy everything the community has to offer.
How to Know When Memory Care Is Right For Your Loved One
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Memory problems will often progress and worsen over time, making the role of a caregiver much more difficult. You will want to seriously consider a Park Ridge, IL, memory care community if they start to need more care than you can provide, leading to caregiver burnout or the inability to complete other necessary responsibilities.
At the Summit of Uptown Park Ridge, we are dedicated to providing seniors with the best memory care possible. If you are interested in transitioning your loved one into a top memory care community, you should read our resource on The Caregivers Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.
