Moving a loved one to memory care can be a challenging and emotional process, especially when dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's. And if you are moving mom to memory care this can be a very emotional time. However, finding the right assisted living facility for dementia care placement is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved one. In this guide, we will discuss the steps and considerations involved in moving mom to memory care, offering support and guidance for families navigating this difficult journey.
1. Understanding the Need for Memory Care
a. What are the signs that indicate the need for memory care?
- Memory loss and confusion- Should you move Mom to Memory Care?
When faced with the challenges of memory loss and confusion in a loved one, the decision to transition to an Alzheimer's care facility or assisted living for dementia care placement is a pivotal one. The process of finding the right facility can be overwhelming, but it is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved one. Understanding the signs that indicate the need for memory care, such as memory loss and confusion, is the first step in this journey.
Remember, most people with cognitive decline will have good days and bad days. You may start to second-guess yourself on a good day. You might wonder "Should I move mom to memory care?" It's important to seek support and guidance to navigate this transition effectively, ensuring the best possible care for your loved one.
- Behavioral changes
As families navigate the challenging journey of finding the right assisted living facility for dementia care placement, behavioral changes often emerge as a pivotal factor in the decision-making process. Noticeable behavioral shifts in a loved one, such as agitation, aggression, or wandering may signal the time to move is now. Understanding these signs and their impact is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved one. Reach for help and seek guidance to effectively address these behavioral changes. You don't have to do this alone.
-Safety Concerns
Identifying safety concerns, such as risks of wandering or potential accidents, is important to find the right facility equipped to address these specific challenges. Seeking support and guidance during this process is imperative to navigate the complexities of ensuring a safe and secure environment for your loved one.
Do you ever worry that Mom could leave the stove on and cause a fire? Would she know what to do in case of an emergency? Is her neighborhood safe?
-Caregiver Burnout Is also a reason to move mom to memory care
Your loved one deserves the best care. But you do not have to be the only one providing that care. Moving mom to memory care will allow you to become the daughter or son again. And that is good for both of you.
b. How can family members assess the level of care needed?
- Consulting with medical professionals
Their expertise can provide clarity on the signs indicating the need for memory care, behavioral changes, and safety concerns. By seeking their support, families can navigate this complex journey with confidence, ensuring the safety and well-being of their loved ones.
Make sure you see a neurologist. General practitioners may not know how to assess the need for memory care.
- Observing daily functioning and behaviors
Keep a diary to notice what changes may be happening. A caregiver may not notice the subtle day-to-day changes.
- Considering the safety of the living environment
Is the home easy to navigate? Stairs, rugs, and clutter can all make living with dementia more of a challenge. Notice the lighting in the home. Shadows in the late afternoon can cause sundowners. Can mom get out of the home easily and get lost? How safe is the neighborhood?
2. Researching and Selecting an Assisted Living Facility
a. What criteria should families consider when choosing a memory care facility?
- Specialized dementia care programs
- Staff training and expertise in memory care
- Safety measures and a secure environment
- Quality of life activities and social engagement
b. How can families ensure the facility meets their mom's specific needs?
- Touring the facility and meeting staff
Look for the smiles. A smiling staff that is engaged with their residents will most likely give good care. Talk to the person in charge of activities. Note their enthusiasm level. This will give you a good idea about how active and involved the community is with residents.
- Reviewing the care plans and services offered
Take time to look at these and compare them to other places you have visited.
- Seeking recommendations and reviews from other families
Ask your friends and neighbors. Post a question on social media. Ask what memory care home have they had experience with. Be careful. You will get a lot of marketers online trying to influence you. Make sure you get information from family members or professionals in the senior care industry who have experience with the memory care home.
3. Preparing to Move Mom Memory Care
a. How can families help their mom transition smoothly to memory care?
Communicate with the mom about the move before the move.
Be prepared though. When moving day comes Mom may not remember your conversations.
- Packing familiar and comforting items
Try to make her new space look as much like home as possible.
- Establishing a routine and visiting schedule
This is so important! Mom will settle into her new home much faster when she realizes that you are not going to forget her. When she knows that you will be bringing her favorite muffins on Wednesday or coming to do her nails on Friday at noon she will relax. And remember quality visits are more important than rushed visits.
4. Navigating the Emotional Challenges After You Move Mom to Memory Care
a. What emotions and concerns might family members experience during this transition?
- Guilt and sadness
This is common. Reach for help.
- Anxiety about the quality of care
This is something most caregivers struggle with. Regular visits and good communication with the staff will help.
- Struggles with letting go of caregiving responsibilities
If you have been caring for mom for a long time it may be hard to let go. Just remember you are still needed after moving Mom to memory care. Your duties have not gone away they have simply changed.
5. Settling Mom into the Alzheimer's Care Facility
a. What steps can families take to help their mom adjust to the new environment?
- Communicating with the staff and staying involved in care planning
Talk to the staff often. Check-in to see how mom is doing. Ask for pictures.
Communication is the key to successfully moving mom to memory care.
b. How can families ensure ongoing communication and involvement in their mom's care?
- Building rapport with the care team
Be kind. This is a hard job. Compliment caregivers when you can. And thank them often.
- Attending family meetings and events
Show up and participate. If the staff is hosting a holiday get-together make an effort to attend.
- Advocating for the mom's needs and preferences
Every day will not be perfect. Mom is counting on you to be her advocate. If you feel someone is not right speak up. Ask for a care meeting when needed.
Conclusion
Transitioning a mom to memory care requires careful consideration, research, and emotional support. By understanding the signs indicating the need for memory care, researching and selecting the right assisted living facility, preparing for the transition, navigating emotional challenges, and settling mom into the Alzheimer's care facility, families can ensure a smoother and more successful transition for their loved one. While the process may be daunting, finding the right care setting can ultimately provide peace of mind and improved quality of life for both the mom and the family.
In honor of our founder Pat Mack, we are carrying on the tradition of caring for our residents in "The Light Heart Way"
Light Heart Memory Care homes are specially designed for 8 residents. This gives us the ability to give personalized care to each and every resident.
Contact us to learn more about Light Heart Memory Care, or book a free consultation.
Phone: 281.282.0770 Email: office@lightheartmemorycare.com