Ten Tips to Help Transition a Loved One into Memory Care

Although it is an emotionally difficult decision, most families of loved ones with dementia understand that the time will come when they are no longer able to provide the level and quality of care at home that their loved one needs and deserves. Preparing them for a transition to a new environment, however, won’t be easy. And the move itself brings its own set of challenges, both logistically and emotionally, as it means removing a loved one from a home filled with memories. Yet it is a necessary step to be taken to provide the level of support required to keep their loved one living his or her best life as the disease progresses.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities we speak regularly with family members who are ready to begin making the transition, but don’t know where to start in terms of preparation and the actual move itself.

If that sounds like you, we can help. Here are ten tips to help you get oriented and prepared, both logistically and emotionally for the transition. We’ve collected them from the National Institute on Aging as well as from our own experience:

1. Know if it is appropriate to have “the talk”. Every individual with dementia is unique in how they react to changes in their lives. They are also impacted by the level of cognitive decline. Therefore, having a talk with your loved one about the need to transition to a care environment may or may not be prudent. Discussing it with their physician or a geriatric professional first will help you make the right decision.
2. Be patient with your loved one. Listen to their concerns if they express hesitation towards the transition. Gently reinforce the reasons the decision was made and the benefits the new environment will bring.
3. Be patient with yourself. Understand that this is a stressful time. Don’t create unrealistic expectations for yourself or your loved one.
4. Reach out for support. Consult a therapist, gerontologist or dementia specialist and share your feelings about the transition. They will help you devise a strategy to better be able to cope and to help your loved one adjust. Enlist the support of family members and trusted friends. They can be of great help to you in many ways as you begin the transition journey.
5. Assemble all legal documents. You may want to consult with an elder care attorney in advance to make sure all legal aspects of your loved one’s care are covered. This will include Power of Attorney as well as other legal documents.
6. Conduct thorough research. As you research memory care communities, make a list of the things that are most important to your loved one and to your family. Be sure to pay attention to reviews. Are they current? Does the memory care provider respond? Visit our Memory Care FAQ page which covers all facets of memory care.  
7. Review finances. Make sure you are aware of all the costs involved in day-to-day care, from move-in costs to amenities, to specialized care needs. The memory care provider should be totally transparent on this and be open to sharing costs, including the fine print, with you.
8. Meet with the staff in advance. It is important to become familiar with the staff before the move in. Talk with them about ways to make the transition go more smoothly.
9. Consider a short stay for your loved one in advance of move-in. Respite care is a service provided by many memory care communities. It enables your loved one to have a short stay (usually about a week) and get a feel for the environment. It provides families with a good opportunity to observe the care environment firsthand before the final move-in.
10. Be your loved one’s advocate. No one understands your loved one’s needs as well as you do. Voice their preferences and needs. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right as the transition occurs. Your memory care staff should be receptive and responsive to your needs.

Transitioning into memory care is a loving and necessary step in the process of optimizing the quality of life for your loved one. It places them in a secure environment thoughtfully designed to meet their unique needs — especially as they transition into the middle stages of dementia.

Our Anthem Memory Care communities understand the unique needs of each of our residents. That is why our nurses, therapists, life enrichment teams, and caregivers are focused every day on helping residents live a purposeful life through engaging activities and meaningful connections with others.

If you have questions or concerns, we invite you to reach out to any of our communities. We’re here to offer guidance, information, and support as you and your family navigate the journey ahead.