Adults diagnosed with memory issues have unique challenges that may require some future assistance in the activities of daily living. These challenges include household chores, grocery shopping, transportation assistance, and so forth. It can be quite overwhelming for family caregivers to help them out with everything at times.

To help them out, memory care offers them specialized care, and the staff helps them with the activities of daily living. However, many older individuals find it quite challenging to accept the idea of moving to dementia care homes.

In this article, we will help your loved one make a smooth transition to memory care facilities so they can live their golden years comfortably and easily. Transitioning to dementia care units is quite overwhelming; it requires step-by-step guidance to make the process smoother.

But before moving them into dementia care, the in-home caregivers manage emotions by making effective communication and finding new ways to make their new surroundings feel like home. Once your loved one has decided to move to a memory care center, ask them what they want to take along and what not. This helps them feel involved in the decision-making process.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition to a Care Facility

Finding the Right Care Facility

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, family caregivers offer emotional support and assistance to their loved ones. However, with the passing years, helping your loved one with the activities of daily living can be quite overwhelming for family caregivers. So, memory care communities play a significant role in helping families. However, if you are worried about finding the right memory care facility for your loved one, get help from a senior care expert. The care experts will take your preferences and suggest you the right care facility for memory issues in the neighborhood and help your loved one with a smoother transition.

Preparation and Planning

Once you have chosen the right care facility for your loved one and decide to shift to a dementia facility, it is important that you take note of their needs. Ask whether your loved one needs a special pillow, medication, book, or anything else that helps them stay connected. Moving to Alzheimer’s care can be quite a rollercoaster ride, so start by knowing what the care facilities offer and how the staff helps your loved one with the progression of mental conditions.

Help Your Loved One Get Settled 

Getting settled in a new place can be quite a task for a loved one. Help your loved one by decorating their new home to make them feel at home. Start by arranging the furniture, stocking the refrigerator with their favorite meals, getting them a photo album by describing special moments below every picture, and so on. Surrounding themselves with familiar items will help them feel relaxed. Speak to a certified senior care advisor who helps your loved one with a smooth transition and continues helping your family member until he or she settles down.

Create A Routine At the Care Facility

Creating a daily routine is helpful for caregivers and people diagnosed with dementia. Because the routine intends to assist the individual with memory issues and give them an idea of how to continue doing the work without failure, for instance, the caregivers at the care facility help the loved one participate in failure-free activities to promote relaxation, boost self-confidence, bring independence, and reduce anxiety. The dementia care units have staff who help your loved one develop a routine to keep their memories intact and reduce the progression rate of memory issues.

Visit Your Loved One Regularly

Once your older family member moves to a memory care facility, they may initially feel out of place. Your loved one may need some time to settle down in the new place and socialize. Ask the staff whether you can visit them frequently and help them settle down with ease. Encourage your loved one to develop the habit of having community lunches or participating in social communities to reduce the risk of isolation. Visiting your loved one frequently will ensure that you’re with them. 

However, there may be some heart-wrenching moments when your loved one diagnosed with dementia may lash out at you and complain about the care facilities. Respond to them with empathy and compassion; speak to the staff and senior care advisor about their behavioral symptoms; and try to understand and address the challenges faced by your loved ones. It is best to learn about the memory care homes near you so that you choose the best facility for your loved one and stay connected to them.

How To Find The Right Memory Care Home in Maryland?

It is important to understand which dementia care unit is right for your loved one; therefore, finding the right care facility is essential. If you have already found a memory care facility near your home, it’s time to help your loved one make a smooth transition.

However, if you have difficulty finding the right dementia care facility near you, get in touch with the senior care advisor at Senior Care Love. Our care experts know all about the best memory care facilities in Baltimore, MD, and Washington DC. We speak to you and your loved ones about their needs and preferences to understand the kind of care facilities they need. To learn more about our services, contact us.