Choosing the right memory care community is one of the most important decisions you can make for your loved one with dementia. You want them to feel at home and receive the highest quality care available.
If you’re not sure what steps to take before moving your loved one into a memory care facility, Terra Vista is here to help. Keep reading for our expert advice.
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Can Someone With Dementia Live in an Assisted Living Community?
Assisted living is not the same as memory care.
Assisted Living
People who live in assisted living communities need just that—assistance with daily living. They may need help with activities like bathing and cooking but don’t require around-the-clock care.
Memory Care
Memory care communities offer some of the same services as assisted living communities, but they’re tailored specifically for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Residents require more supervision and around-the-clock care, providing services like dressing, incontinence care, hydration and meal monitoring, and medication management.
Someone who is in the early stages of dementia may do well in an assisted living community. Once the condition progresses, however, they’ll need the care that only a dementia-assisted living community can provide.
Read More: Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: What’s the Best Option?
7 Tips for How to Move a Parent With Dementia Into an Assisted Living Community
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Identify the stage of their diagnosis
No case of dementia is the same. Every person living with dementia is at a different stage of progression and will cope with the effects differently. While someone in the early stages of dementia may still be able to live at home with some supervision, someone in the middle to late stages will require more customized care.
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Discuss the process of moving
Big life changes can be scary, especially for those with memory problems. Waiting to tell your loved one with dementia that they’ll be moving into an unfamiliar place may cause fear and agitation. That’s why initiating conversations early on in the process can be key to a successful transition.
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Choose a trusted dementia-assisted living community
Not every dementia assisted living community is created equal. That’s why it’s important to do your research before choosing a facility for your loved one with dementia. Check websites, make calls, and read online reviews. If people you trust have moved their loved ones into a dementia-assisted living community already, get personal recommendations from them. Those can go a long way.
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Establish good relationships with future caregivers
Your loved one’s future caregivers will soon become the most important people in their life when it comes to daily living. It’s important for you to meet with them before the transition to discuss your expectations and your loved one’s needs.
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Simplify the move-in process
Make the move as smooth as possible. The less stressful the initial transition is, the more calm your loved one will be throughout the process. Prepare your loved ones’ space with personal items prior to move-in day. Having the room ready will make move-in day less stressful for you and your loved one.
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Pack essential items
Only pack items your loved one will need in their new home. This will help simplify the move-in process. Here are some essentials you should pack:
- Personal hygiene items
- Other personal care items
- Clothes
- A quilt or blanket
- Photo albums
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Anticipate the transition to take time
While you might move your loved one into their dementia assisted living community in one day, the transition period will last a bit longer. It will take your loved one additional time to become comfortable in this new environment. Just be patient.
Read More: When Is the Right Time to Move Your Loved One into a Memory Care Community?
The Top Benefits of Dementia-Assisted Living Facilities
Here are just some of the benefits your loved one will enjoy when they move into a dementia-assisted living community.
- Independence
- Safety
- Personalized care
- Consistent routine
- Opportunities for engagement
- Medication management
- Around-the-clock assistance
All-Inclusive Memory Care in Oakbrook Terrace
If you’re searching for an assisted living community for your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, Terra Vista is the memory care community you can trust to provide the highest quality care. Our memory care team offers each resident holistic, around-the-clock care. From daily meals to medication management, we care for everything so you can focus on what matters most.
Schedule a consultation with us today to get started. We’ll be here to support you and your loved one every step of the way.
