When a senior you have a close connection with gets diagnosed with dementia, they may require professional help. Elder care homes that provide specialized care for seniors with dementia might be the ideal choice for your loved one. Despite the benefits that homes for elderly with dementia provide, the move might be a significant adjustment for both you and the senior. Here are some ways to make the process more seamless and help your loved one adjust to their new home.
Help Them Pack Familiar Items to Take
Moving into a new environment is challenging for everyone, especially a senior with dementia. The ability to see or use items they are familiar with can help them settle into the retirement home more quickly. Although the space in an elder home may be limited, helping your loved one pack a few recognizable items can help them develop a sense of home in a new place.
Keep the room space in mind before you pack the items. Items such as photos, greeting cards they received, or small decorations can all add value to the room without taking up too much space. Let your loved one pick out the items they feel most attached to and want to bring along.
Prioritize Visiting Them
Seniors with memory loss tend to adjust better to changes if a familiar face is around them. Moving into a new environment might be overwhelming for them, so you must reassure them that this is their new home. Try to incorporate meaningful visits into your schedule and continue life-long routines such as sharing a meal.
People with dementia often don’t have control over their emotions, so it is crucial to be mindful of your steps. It is also essential to have a balance for your visitation. If you spend too much time with them in their new home, they may get too used to it. So, if you aren’t able to visit for a long time when you visit again, it may result in frustration for them.
Make it a Habit to Keep in Touch
It might be challenging for you to visit your loved ones in their new home frequently. Try to keep in touch to help them ease into their new home. Call them frequently to ask how they’re feeling and if they need any help from you. They may share things with you that they aren’t comfortable sharing with the nurse. You can redirect those messages to the home’s staff members to help your family member feel more adjusted to the new environment.
Encourage Participation in Activities
Some symptoms of dementia take away a person’s interest in socializing, due to which they may refrain from mixing with others. If your loved one doesn’t participate in activities with other people, they may begin to feel lonely and experience a cognitive decline.
Encourage your loved ones to participate by visiting them and taking them to areas where activities are happening. Many well-known dementia and memory care communities offer support services and memory-engaging activities to keep residents happy and active.
The transition to a aged care facility in Illawong (elder care home) is likely to be more challenging for your loved one than it is for you. Take some time to help your family member settle in and communicate any specific concerns with the staff members at home. Helping them adjust at elder care home from the start will allow them to feel at home sooner.
Also read: Why To Choose Home Care for Elderly Than Nursing Home Care?
