3 Tips for Helping a Grandparent Move to a Memory Care Community

Moving to a memory care community can be an uncertain time for your loved one. Help ease their transition with a few compassionate steps. With around-the-clock care and monitoring, their new space will help them receive the care they need while maintaining the level of independence that is right for them. Even with these advantages, moving into a new environment can feel stressful. If you’re moving your grandparent to a memory care community, follow these three tips to help ease their transition as they adjust to their new home.

1. Visit the Memory Care Community Together Before Move-In Day

Transitions can be difficult, but becoming familiar and comfortable with an environment can help. Visiting the memory care community together can help your grandparent acclimate, as they become familiar with the space, residents, and staff. Often, the unknown is what can feel stressful. Visiting the community before they move will remove the mystery and help settle any apprehension. Take time to tour the community and visit with a few residents. If your loved one has any questions, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet with the care staff and find answers to concerns. Once they have a feel for the space, care team, available activities, and residents, they may begin to feel excited for moving day.

2. Bring Personal Items from Home

When preparing your grandparent for their move, make sure to bring some of their favorite personal items. This can include photos, mementos, a favorite piece of art or decor, or favored hobbies, such as puzzles or music. Bringing a few select items that remind them of home will personalize the space and make it feel more familiar. This can help your grandparent adjust more quickly. Be careful to do most of the selection for them and packing. Depending on the stage of memory loss, being responsible for too many decisions can increase agitation. Ask which item they would like to bring and help pick the rest.

3. Set Simple Reminders and Move When Well-Rested

As moving day nears, it’s important to be consistent and comforting when reminding your grandparent they will be moving soon. Choose simple and direct phrases that are reassuring. Phrases such as, “In 10 days, you are going to your new home,” or, “You will be safe in your new home,” communicate a simple and comforting message. When moving, choose their best time of day—when they feel calm and rested. Avoid early mornings or later in the day when they are more likely to be fatigued. Following these simple tips will help your grandparent comfortably transition to their memory care community. When choosing memory care for your loved one, consider the person-centered care at Solterra Senior Living. Our highly qualified, compassionate team is specially trained in the disease process associated with Alzheimer’s and other related dementia. We understand the emotional and physical distress your loved one may be experiencing. Contact us today. We are here to help you every step of the way so your loved one can live life to the fullest while we provide for their needs at every stage of memory loss.