Relocating an elderly relative with dementia can be a challenging process. As dementia progresses, a person’s abilities, needs, and behaviors change. Finding the right living arrangement that provides safety, social stimulation, and person-centered care requires research, planning, and compassion. With some preparation, you can make the transition as smooth as possible for your loved one, whether you decide to have them come live with you or move them into a senior care facility that caters for residents with dementia.
Assess Your Loved One’s Needs
Take time to evaluate your elderly relative’s current physical, mental, and emotional state. Consider their level of independence with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating. Note any behavioral or mood changes like agitation, wandering, or depression. Review their cognitive abilities – do they recognize faces and places or get confused easily? Understanding their unique needs and deficits will help guide your housing search.
Explore Appropriate Housing Options
There are several types of housing that cater to seniors with dementia – in home care, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. Review the costs, services offered, staff training, and expertise in dementia care. Schedule tours and note the environment, staff interactions, and engagement opportunities. An ideal community will have security features, provide structured activities, promote socialization, and deliver individualized, compassionate care. Choose a place where your loved one will feel comfortable, stimulated, and well cared for.
Get Input from Your Loved One
If possible, include your elderly relative in the relocation process. Visit communities together and get their feedback on which they prefer. This gives them some control and makes them feel involved. However, don’t expect them to remember details or make final decisions. Also, seek input from close family to help determine the best place for care.
Coordinate Logistics and Pack Essentials
Handle logistics like moving belongings, forwarding mail, and setting up utilities in their new residence. Pack clothes, toiletries, favorite foods, and family photos to make the space feel familiar. Items with sentimental value spark positive memories and ease the transition. Create a photo collage or memory book of loved ones to provide comfort when family visits.
If you will be moving your loved one long-distance, look at non-emergency medical transport services such as Flying Angels (check their Facebook page for more information), where a trained nurse accompanies the person and provides everything needed to ensure a stress-free journey.
Establish Consistent Routines
Sticking to consistent daily routines provides stability and minimizes confusion for those with dementia. Collaborate with staff to continue patterns for waking, meals, activities, visitors, and bedtime. Share your loved one’s history, interests, and care preferences to help customize their schedule. Regular visits from family also aid the adjustment to their new home.
Be Patient During the Transition
Give your elderly relative time to acclimate to their new surroundings and caregivers. Disorientation, agitation, mood swings, and other challenging behaviors may increase initially. Offer reassurance when you visit and allow staff to intervene if needed. Once they are established in a routine with familiar faces, your loved one will hopefully feel more relaxed and settled.
Relocating a loved one with dementia requires significant effort and emotion. But choosing the right supportive environment can greatly enhance their quality of life. With research, planning, and compassion, you can ensure a smooth transition that meets your relative’s changing needs.
