Helping Mom Move Into Memory Care

Making the decision to move your mom, or any parent, into memory care is not an easy decision. But there are some things you can learn about memory care communities to prepare for in advance that will make the transition a bit easier, both for you and your mom. Our experienced and caring staff at the Peoria memory care community here at the Mission at Agua Fria have some tips that may help make the move go more smoothly.

Talk With Mom About Why You Think Memory Care Is Best

The first thing you need to do is ensure that your mom does need memory care and not just assisted living. If your mom has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but you are not sure if it is time yet to move to memory care, there are some signs that can help you decide. Are there safety concerns (in terms of rapid weight loss or trouble with medication management), difficulties completing basic daily tasks, or shrinking social circles? Once determined, it’s important to have a conversation with your mom about why transitioning to a memory care community is the right move.

Share All of the Offerings Memory Care Will Give to Her

The memory care community you choose for your mother should meet all her needs and yours as well. For instance, if you are in the Peoria area, you should look for a memory care community that is local so you can visit Mom regularly. You should also make sure you and your mother are comfortable with the community and that all her social needs will be met along with the physical. Ask your mom what she wants in a memory care community, what social activities she wants to be part of, and so on. Share with her the types of activities the places you are looking into have to try to get her excited about the move.

To help that conversation, we offer memory care programs such as music and pet therapy, sensory integration, art programs, a state-of-the-art exercise program, and a beautiful, secure courtyard our residents can take advantage of.

Tell Mom How Much She’ll Be Cared For

You are choosing a memory care community because you want your mom to be safe and properly cared for—make sure she knows this. The Mission at Agua Fria understands this, and that’s why we have caring, licensed, and certified staff that care for all of our residents with dignity. Our staff is also specially trained to give care and support for those living with dementia and memory care needs.

Furthermore, we offer spacious private studio apartments that are ADA accessible, safe, secure, and comfortable. Services include care staff on-site 24 hours a day, making sure that your mom has all the help she needs at any time.

Take Mom on a Tour Before Moving In

Let Mom see the community she will be moving into before she makes the move. This will help her get even more comfortable with it, see things for herself rather than just hearing about them, and ease the transition even more.