Helping A Loved One Transition to Memory Care: Keeping in Touch

When your loved one is making the move to memory care, it’s easy to think of moving day as the finish line. But while that day is a goal you’re working towards, remember that the day itself isn’t really an “ending.” In fact, you can look at Moving Day as the beginning of a new phase for you and your loved one.

Change can be hard for any of us, and that goes double with a loved one who has a memory disease such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Research shows that it can take 90 days or longer for your loved one to become adjusted in their new home. Having a plan for helping your loved one – and you – become gradually more comfortable with their new reality will help ease the transition and make home feel like, well, “home” as soon as possible.

Tip #1: Make regular visits.

Throughout the first few weeks, your loved one will be trying to adjust to their new routine, new schedule and new location. Having familiar faces around them will help reassure them, provide a sense of stability and help them feel calmer and more confident. But this can be a delicate dance, because visiting too much (or at the wrong time) can be just as detrimental as not visiting enough. You’ll want to connect with the staff members to determine when your loved one is at their best and when good times to visit will be.

Tip #2: Understand – and expect – there will be bad days.

Just when you think everything is great and your loved one has adjusted, there will be something that changes. Your loved one doesn’t like any of their new friends. They continually ask when they can go home. They’re having difficulties with this, that or the other. Seeing setbacks can be frustrating and painful for family members, because all you want is for your loved one to be happy. When these issues come up, do your best to keep the comments in perspective and realize that things aren’t always going to be sunshine and roses. Reassure your loved one, remain positive and stay linked with staff members in order to determine what, if anything, can be done to smooth the issues.

Tip #3: Help loved ones get involved with community life.

One of the best ways for your loved one to feel comfortable in their new home is for them to get involved in everything the community has to offer. See what activities are being offered while you’re visiting your loved one and encourage them to participate with you. If you’re there for mealtimes, seek out other residents to sit with and encourage conversation and interaction. Memory care communities like Avalon encourage family participation in all aspects of life, so there should be no question or issue with participating. If you don’t see any activities that your loved one might enjoy, or if you see an opportunity for something that isn’t being offered, talk to the staff and see what you might be able to work out.

Tip #4: Stay positive.

No matter whether your loved one is having a good day or a bad day, keep a positive and upbeat attitude. Your loved one will pick up on what you’re feeling, and if you’re happy and relaxed, they’re more likely to reflect that. This isn’t an easy time, but just remember that your loved one is in the best possible place for them – and that it will get easier for both of you.

At Avalon Memory Care, we understand that change can be difficult and frightening, and moving into a memory care community is a big adjustment for both residents and their families. We are here to help make the transition – before, during and after the move – as smooth as possible in order to make this community a true, happy home. For more information about how to make the transition to memory care a smooth one, please contact us at (214) 752-7050.

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Testimonials

“Since my mother has lived at Avalon, I have had peace of mind for the first time since Alzheimer’s began to exact its terrible price from my mother’s life. Thank you for your part in making our lives better.”

Daughter | Ft. Worth, TX

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the care and love afforded to my mom over the last two weeks. Your success in finding such quality people has my gratitude and respect.”

Daughter | Dallas, TX

“We are very pleased with all of the efforts that your caring staff has made to smooth this traumatic transition.”

Son | Plano, TX

“I know my husband had the very best care in his final days. I regret that I did not know about Avalon sooner.”

Wife | Dallas, TX

“Mom spent the final 8 months of her life in Avalon Memory Care in Allen. The staff was great. There was rarely a day that my brother or I did not come by and they were always friendly to us and did their best to make mom comfortable and happy. We really appreciated them for everything they did.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“Making the decision to place my mother in residential memory care was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. But living at Avalon has been the best thing for her at this stage of her life.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“My grandmother has lived at Avalon Memory Care for 6 months now. I cannot speak highly enough about the warmth, dedication, and caring compassion of the staff. They always make us feel welcome and go out of their way to work with us to accommodate grandma’s needs.”

Grandson | Arlington, TX

“My grandmother spent her final days at Avalon and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to care for her. The caregivers are attentive and kind, and many of them have been with Avalon for years. If you are looking for a place to love on you and your family in a season that is inevitably difficult, Avalon is a wonderful choice.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX

“We are delighted with the facility of Avalon Memory Care. We just placed Grandma in an apartment with them and couldn’t be happier. It is clean and well-lit, and everyone greets us, down to the folks who clean up.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX