Caring for parents with memory issues, including dementia, is something that millions of Americans grapple with each day. Acting as a caretaker to a parent when they are experiencing severe memory issues can be a real challenge. Senior memory care can be a good solution for both the seniors and their loved ones in these situations.
Buckner Retirement Services provides residents in memory care with the highest quality of care in a secure and comforting setting. Call us today at 214.227.7182 to learn more about how memory care treatment for seniors can help your loved one at Buckner Retirement Services.
How to Talk About Moving a Parent to Memory Care
If you are caring for a parent with dementia, communication is key, particularly during the transition to memory care. Change is hard for anyone, and it can be especially difficult for seniors with dementia.
When you communicate about moving a parent to memory care, be sensitive to how they are feeling and respond with affection and reassurance. Other tips for communicating with senior parents with dementia include:
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Rephrase if they don’t understand
- Listen carefully
- Ask simple questions
- Speak with a positive tone
If you follow these tips for communicating, it can make a move to memory care a smooth and painless transition.
How to Move a Parent with Dementia to Assisted Living: Offer Help
When it comes to assisting with transitioning into memory care, it is important to strike the right balance between giving the help your parent needs while also letting them be involved in the process.
You should aim to be there any time they ask for help, but don’t try to do everything for them. Some simple things you can have them get involved with include:
- Packing – Having your parent help pack will provide the opportunity for them to stay connected with some of their physical belongings. This might also bring back some good feelings they’ll be able to take with them.
- Sorting belongings – Help your parent sort their belongings into categories such as clothing, keepsakes, and valuables. This can also provide the opportunity for them to decide which items they want to bring with them.
- Decorating – Have your parent help with decorating their new room. This allows them to have some control over personalizing their space and making it feel like home.
- Finding a community – Depending on the level of dementia, your parent may or may not be able to actively participate in finding their new memory care community. If they are capable, give them some options and let them have a say in the decision.
By involving them in the process, you are giving them a sense of control and independence, which can help ease anxiety and make the transition smoother. It is important to remember that moving to memory care can be an emotional experience for both seniors and their loved ones, so patience and empathy are key.
The more your parent feels included in the process, the more comfortable they will be with the transition. It is also important to plan as much as possible to enable them to prepare for each step of the transition before it happens.
Make sure to communicate every part of the process clearly to minimize confusion. Residents with dementia can easily become confused and overwhelmed, so taking the process slowly can be tremendously helpful.
Staying Involved After the Transition
Transitioning into memory care does not stop on the day of the move. After moving a parent to memory care, it may take a while for them to adjust to their new environment and get used to the other residents and staff.
The staff at Buckner Retirement Services has extensive experience helping residents transition to their new environment, but they are no replacement for the familiarity of family around.
The best thing you can do is be present as much as possible during the first few weeks of the transition. Close family members should plan daily visits to ensure that your loved one doesn’t feel alone. Over time, they will gradually become more comfortable with their environment, residents, and staff
Call Buckner Retirement Services and Learn How to Get a Parent into Memory Care
Caring for a parent with dementia can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming. Transitioning to a memory care community can ensure that your parent gets the care they truly need and deserve.
At Buckner Retirement Services, our mission is for every resident to live a full life, regardless of their cognitive ability. Our dedicated staff is here to walk alongside you and your loved one with love and compassion.
We’ve designed our memory care program so that no one ever feels alone. Contact our memory care professionals online or by calling 214.227.7182 and learn what you and your loved one can expect with Buckner Retirement Services.