Tips to Help Families Transition a Loved One to Memory Care

For many suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, there comes a time when they require more professional care. Memory care facilities like MorningStar at West Valley are designed to care for those with Alzheimer’s as well as other forms of dementia from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.

We all know moving is a chore but for a person suffering from memory loss, leaving a beloved home can be especially trying; and it is natural for families to worry about transitioning mom or dad into a memory care facility. This is where tips from dementia care specialists can ease the way.

Experts say if possible, it is helpful to plan early and discuss future living options while the person is still able to make reasonable decisions. Once the time comes for more care and a memory care community has been decided on, families need to search for one that best fits the person’s needs.

A Place for Mom, a senior living referral company, suggests several things we can do in advance to help smooth the transition including reminding the person they will be moving. If several family members are involved; stick to one script and keep it concise and simple. 

Another tip to help the person not panic is to pack their things at night while they are sleeping or out visiting friends. Decorate their new suite with personal items such as photos, mementos and other treasured objects without the room feeling cluttered. 

They suggest moving during a scheduled activity you know the person will love such as an art class or a game of bingo. It takes their mind away from the actual move and gives them an opportunity to meet other community members and staff. Also remember it may take the person time to settle in, and time and patience is important from everyone involved.   

Once you decide on a particular home, meet the staff to talk about your parent’s background, talents, personal preference, medical history, etc.  At MorningStar of West Valley, we use a query called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” to aid us in creating a daily routine to stimulate or calm in response to the resident’s mood or situation.

MorningStar at West Valley memory care facility will open to residents in the third quarter of 2022 and offer a choice of 42 studio or companion suites within our two-story memory carecommunity. Visit our website today to reserve a select suite for your loved one.