The road is not easy or predictable for those with memory care needs and their families. This may be just the start of your journey or you may have had some time and experience managing these challenges together. As your loved one’s memory declines and the need for care increases, the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may become overwhelming and you may find yourselves unable to provide the level of care needed on your own. Your family might already be on the same page and have had family discussions about the best next steps and have started to prepare for transitioning to this new level of care needed. Additionally, looking for the best memory care community in Woodbridge, VA is what most families will do next.
Although everyone might agree on the decision, accepting this is the new normal for your family may cause emotions to run high as your family moves forward with planning and and eventually moving. There are ways to help make this move easier for your loved one and family members and becoming familiar with these is a great start. Below are thoughtful and helpful tips for transitioning a loved one into a memory care community in Woodbridge, VA.
Keep in mind that people handle change and transition differently. What works for one person and their family might not be best for you and yours. Use the advice that best fits your loved one’s personality and needs and your unique situation.
Look for a Memory Care Community
It should go without saying, but it is absolutely imperative to choose a community with dedicated memory care. These communities will ensure your loved one is surrounded by staff that understand dementia care and appreciate the challenges associated. Over the past few decades, senior care has come a long way in supporting memory care needs and providing communities that are carefully designed for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Choose the ‘Best of the Best’
Narrowing down your options might feel like an overwhelming task so it is suggested that you visit at least three communities more than once. Keeping your loved one’s needs at the center of the decision making process can help your family make the best decision. If you need assistance knowing what questions to ask, click here for a helpful Dementia Care Checklist which can help you narrow down your choices.
Accept the Challenges
It may be impossible to head into the process knowing exactly what to expect and how to feel. You can, however, recognize and accept that the entire process and transition will be challenging. Preparing yourself, your family and your loved one for the rocky road means that you can all face these challenges together and not be as surprised when difficulties or big emotions pop up.
Use the Community's Resources and Programs
Choosing the best community will have its benefits because the top memory care communities will offer all sorts of support to make the process and move as easy as possible. Talk to the staff about what they offer to help you and your family support your loved one’s transition. There may be classes or events to attend or personal counselors to assist in the smaller details.
Visit More Than Once
To give your loved one a sense of comfort, allowing them to become familiar with the memory care community in advance may help. One visit will not be enough, try to visit the spaces and community as frequently as possible, and stay for as long as necessary before moving day. Becoming familiar with the physical space and interacting with the staff ahead of time may foster a sense of comfort or familiarity prior to the actual moving day.
Bring Familiar Items and Pictures
Family photos that depict important people and events in your loved one’s life are great for them to have right away. You can even label the photos and write mini descriptions as they are great ways for the staff to interact, start conversion and get to know your loved one. Being able to talk about familiar people and events can recreate that feeling of home. Also, think about what items or favorite things may be helpful to bring along. Having these items and pictures set up in their room before they arrive can help decrease anxiety and agitation.
Work With Your Loved One’s Schedule
When it is finally moving day, make the entire day about your loved one. If mornings are already a challenging time for them, do not move in the morning. The staff should assist you with making this day as comfortable as possible for your loved one. Everyone understands that emotions may come into play so pre-planning for the best time of day may help quell some of these tensions.
Take Time Off
If you work, you will likely need to take some time off. Certainly you will need one day to make the actual move, but you may consider taking additional time before and after the move. If you want your loved one to visit the community often before the move, you will need to ensure you have the time to be with them and support them during these visits. Additionally, after moving day, you may want to have some mornings or afternoons off already built into your schedule to visit and check in their progress in person. Emotions may still be high and that's why planning time off in advance will be helpful and one less thing you need to worry about.
Visit Often
If you pre-plan your time off, and know in advance what days you will be there, you can go into these visits with less stress worrying about your work or other responsibilities. Your presence and support of your loved one during visits is key to helping make the transition easier. The first few weeks may be challenging as your loved one gets used to their new surroundings, but it does get easier and regular visits do help. If you are unsure how often you should visit, ask the staff for suggestions and keep open communication with them.
Perhaps the most important tip to remember is to reassure your loved one by being supportive, calm and understanding. It is understandable if you are feeling worried, upset or even if you are struggling but it is important for you to continue to be supportive of your loved one and talk about the move with a positive outlook. Every day will not be easy, but keep in mind that you and your family made this decision out of love together to ensure your family member has the best possible care and support.
Remember that the Dementia Care Checklist is a helpful tool to use when you need to narrow down your choices and choose the best community. This checklist and these tips will help transition your loved one into a memory care community in Woodbridge, VA.
