As a caregiver, you know it’s important to keep your loved one comfortable and safe. Moving them can be highly stressful for both of you, but there are steps you can take to make sure they get through the transition well. In this post, we’ll discuss the effects of moving a person with dementia and what helps them cope best during this time.
Disorientation
Disorientation is common when a person with dementia moves to a new home. They may need to find out where they are or how they got there. It’s possible that they will not recognize their surroundings or even the people in their life. This isn’t necessarily a sign of memory loss; it can also be caused by anxiety, stress, and confusion caused by the move itself.
Anxiety and Fear Caused by Change
You may have noticed that your loved one is becoming more anxious and fearful when they are in unfamiliar places. This is normal, as people with dementia often have a reduced ability to process new information. This can cause fear or anxiety when something or someone changes in their environment.
- Fear of being left behind: One of the most common fears among people with dementia is being left behind by those who care for them. As the disease progresses and causes memory loss, it’s easy for a person to become confused about where they are and who is there with them. The loved ones need to reassure them that they won’t be left alone and that everything will be okay.
- Fear of being abandoned by the loved ones in their lives: Another common concern among those living with dementia is that their loved ones will abandon them at some point during the disease progression. Caregivers need to ensure this will not happen and show affection through physical touches, such as cuddling or holding hands during the conversation (if appropriate).
Reactions from Others Caused by Repetitive Questions
The reactions from others caused by repetitive questions are also common during moving activities for someone with dementia; similarly, a caregiver’s ability to properly care for the resident may be compromised by having too long conversations about unrelated subjects such as past events in their lives or current weather conditions outside (or inside).
What are repetitive questions? They are the types of questions that a person with dementia repeatedly asks without giving up. They can ask them in various ways, and you will find that they don’t want an answer which isn’t personal. It is simply a way for them to communicate and share themselves with you. So, if your loved one says, “Why do I have to wear my slippers? Are they dirty? Why aren’t they clean yet? Why can’t we go outside again today? I want to go outside!” You might think this is annoying, but it is quite normal for someone with dementia to ask these kinds of questions.
What can we do about these repetitive questions? You should answer the question as often as needed (with love, patience, and compassion), but try changing your tone each time so it doesn’t sound monotonous or boring for either one of you! For example: “Yes, Mrs. Mark.” Then pause before continuing with another question or statement, such as: “It’s getting dark now!”
Conclusion
Moving a person with dementia can have some effects, but it can also be rewarding. The key is finding ways to cope with the symptoms and learning about your loved one’s condition so that you can help them adjust to a new home.
Take note of how you feel before and after moving day and how your loved one reacts, so you can understand what triggers their stress or anxiety levels. This way, when it comes again next year (or sooner!), you’ll know what works best for everyone involved!
