In light of the intense feelings and uncertainty that come with moving to a memory care center, you might have thought about what the process of transition might be like. Read on to learn how you can assist a loved one in transitioning to memory care in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
What is a Memory Care Community?
Memory care communities are well known for offering full-time custodial care to residents and for enhancing residents’ quality of life through their specialization. For example, memory care centers ensure secure neighborhoods with increased safety features like locked and secured exit doors, alarms, and enclosed courtyards to prevent wandering.
Residents receive meal preparation and personal care assistance from team members who provide them with more structure and assistance throughout the day.
What can you do to help your loved one transition to a memory care center? The best strategies to assist your family member in making the transition to memory care are listed below.
Continue Visits to the Memory Care Community
When a loved one enters memory care, it’s normal for family and friends to withdraw in order to encourage socialization among memory care residents. Even with this instinct, specialists agree that an “all-or-nothing” strategy may be ineffective. Continue visiting your loved ones even as they become more involved in their community.
Always Communicate with the Team
Approach these moments with a single question in mind: What went well? While difficulties are normal, keep an eye out for persistent red flags. If your loved one is having difficulty making friends or participating in community activities, consider developing a more detailed plan and consulting with the team to address the issue.
Allow a Few Weeks for the Transition
Everyone concerned will need to be patient and give the transition into a memory care community some time. Families should plan for residents to go through a four- to six-week transition period. Family members should acknowledge residents’ feelings at this time rather than just ignore them.
Make Little Changes to Personalize their Space
While transitioning to memory care, be sure to surround your loved one with belongings from their initial home. A sense of familiarity and safety can be produced by seeing familiar objects, such as a blanket or photos.
Introduce items gradually to make their home away from home more comfortable. It is also important that you do not make all the decisions for them. Instead, ask questions such as “Would you like to bring along your favorite pillow?” or “Would you like this photo to be printed and brought to the memory care community?”
Focus on the Good Things
Those in their golden years often join memory care when family members and caregivers find it challenging to control their behaviors such as hostility, bewilderment, and repeated conversations. But rather than focusing on the traits the individual has lost, family members should pay attention to the qualities the person still possesses.
