When an older adult living with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia moves into memory care, it is almost always a big change for them. They may experience a range of shifting negative emotions like anger, denial, anxiety, sadness, and frustration and also positive feelings of happiness, relief, and surprise.
If you are a primary provider, caregiver, or a close member of their support system, it’s important to know that you will also be facing a transition and may experience a range of shifting emotions. The first 30 days are crucial for their adjustment to life in a memory care setting, whether in a standalone, assisted living, or continuing care community, and for your adjustment to your new role as well.
With time, your support, combined with the efforts of a specialized memory care team, will enable your family member or friend to adjust and settle into a comfortable and new routine. The role you play during the transition and your assistance during the first 30 days after move-in day is critical to helping ensure they feel secure in their new environment.
To get you started, The Bristal Assisted Living team has compiled eight practical ways to help older adults adapt and find comfort during their initial days in memory care.
#1 Visit Frequently but Not Constantly
Maintain a presence during the early days of the transition to reassure your friend or family member that they're not abandoned. However, too many visits can slow their adjustment to the new environment. Instead, try to establish a regular visiting schedule.
Consider adding the schedule to a calendar in their room so team members can share reminders of your upcoming return. This allows for anticipation between visits at predictable intervals while encouraging engagement with team members and other residents.
#2 Communicate with the Care Team
Open lines of communication with the caregiving team are crucial. The team can provide valuable insights into how the transition is going, if they’re adjusting to memory care, and any challenges they may be experiencing.
If you haven’t already, share as much as you can about their preferences, routines, and personal history. This information allows caregivers to provide more personalized attention and helps build familiarity and feelings of home.
Learn what to expect in a typical day at a memory care community >>
#3 Foster a Relationship with the Team
Developing a rapport with the caregivers builds feelings of trust and safety in the new environment. Take the time to learn team members' names and more about them to build meaningful connections. Your friend or family member will interpret your active involvement and attention to the care team in a positive light.
#4 Encourage Participation in Programming
Reflections, the memory care neighborhoods within communities of The Bristal, designs and implements structured programs to promote engagement and cognitive stimulation. While allotting time to adjust is essential, use gentle encouragement for program participation. Getting involved and establishing a routine helps create a sense of community, provides purpose, and can improve mood.
Create uplifting moments with someone living with dementia >>
#5 Monitor Adjustment
Stay observant to gage how the transition is going. Is your friend or family member settling in to their new environment? Are they engaging with others? Have their eating or sleeping patterns changed? Share any concerns with the memory care team, who can address issues early on. If they aren’t adjusting well after two to three weeks, request an interdisciplinary care meeting to discuss additional ways and collaborate on strategies to better provide support.
#6 Take Care of Yourself
Caring for a friend or family member living with dementia can be emotionally draining, and the stress of the move can be even harder to manage. Seek out the support you need, whether it's from friends, family, support groups, or professional counseling. Prioritize taking care of yourself to be fully capable of caring for them in their hour of need.
Some communities like The Bristal Assisted Living offer a memory café, a type of support group where caregivers and their family members gather together in a secure, comfortable, and socially engaging venue among others who genuinely understand and care.
#7 Celebrate Small Successes
Transitioning to memory care in a standalone, assisted living, or continuing care community is a significant achievement for everyone involved. Celebrate the small signs of progress, such as your first shared meal in the new setting, participating in a program, or simply a smile that comes more easily. Recognizing these wins can be uplifting.
#8 Be Patient and Positive
Remember that every person's adjustment period is different. Stay positive to allow them the time they need to acclimate to their new surroundings.
Transitioning to memory care is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and an abundance of love. By being proactive and following these tips, you can help your family member adjust to their new home with peace of mind, knowing they're in a safe and supportive environment. The first 30 days may be challenging, but with compassionate support, your family member can experience improved quality of life and overall well-being.
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