Moving a loved one into memory care can bring about many emotions and challenges, but this decision will ensure that your loved one is safe, supported, and experiencing an enhanced quality of life. After making the decision and choosing the right community comes moving day, which presents its own set of challenges. Here, we offer tips for making moving to memory care as successful and smooth as possible for everyone involved.
Utilize the facility’s resources to help manage move-in day
The transition to memory care will go better for some people than others. You might even be surprised at how well your loved one handles the change. On the other hand, you could experience a hiccup you didn’t see coming. Unpredictability is a quality of logistically difficult days like moving day, and it can also be an aspect of daily life with dementia as the disease progresses. The best thing you can do is lead with compassion, and the next best thing you can do is lean on your new community of professionals and experts for help.
Notifying the community about your loved one’s dementia diagnosis was likely part of the admission process. Even if they’re aware of your loved one’s condition, talk with them ahead of time about how they can support you on moving day. Ask them what help will be available to the family members and the soon-to-be resident. Extra caregivers may be available to help as needed, which can go a long way in helping you. Knowing ahead of time what help will be available can help you plan and have peace of mind in the event of any unexpected hiccups.
Amy Wilczek, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and owner of senior placement service Oasis Senior Advisors in Mid-Michigan, has extensive experience in moving day for seniors with dementia. We recently asked her for her most useful tips on managing a successful moving day.
Wilczek said that many senior living communities have resident ambassadors. These residents volunteer to extend a friendly hand in the first moments and days after arrival and help new residents feel welcome and comfortable. Ask your community representative about connecting your loved one with a resident ambassador when the time is right.
Practical tips for preparing for memory care moving day
Once you have your move-in date, you should continue to work with the memory care community staff. Ask them about the best time to move into the apartment. See if the community has any recommendations for vetted senior moving companies, and contact them to set up services. You can also contact a moving company that specializes in working with older adults, like Moves for Seniors.
Make a list of what to pack for memory care and what to leave behind. Some items you should consider packing include comfortable clothes, favorite sheets and blankets, family photos, and other favorite items that your loved one associates with home. When packing for their move to memory care, be sure to follow community policies for what you can and cannot bring. For example, some communities allow residents to decorate their apartment door while others do not, citing fire hazard precautions. Some communities allow residents to bring additional furniture like recliners, but not all do. If you have any questions about the community’s rules, you should ask the staff.
How dementia can impact moving day
In addition to organizing the logistics of a move to memory care, it’s important to keep in mind your loved one’s diagnosis throughout the entire process. This is a big day for everyone, but especially your senior loved one. It’s crucial to consider their dementia symptoms during this time. Many symptoms, like confusion and agitation, can be either exacerbated or calmed with your approach to their involvement in moving day.
Wilczek said it’s important to “read the room, so to speak,” when it comes to planning for a smooth transition on moving day. You should gauge your loved one’s emotions and tailor their involvement to how they’re feeling. Let’s take a closer look at how their symptoms can affect the process and go over ways to mitigate any challenges their diagnosis might present.
Tips for moving during early-stage dementia
Wilczek said that in the early stages of dementia, the individual may be receptive to the move and even have opinions about how they would like it to go. They may want some control over the situation, which is natural. After all, they’re the one who is moving from one home to another. Involving your loved one to a degree could help the move progress more smoothly.
Consider any symptoms that your loved one may have, and plan to support them. Remember that a big day like this can trigger emotions, so create a backup plan in case you need to pivot. If your loved one becomes agitated or confused, you might suggest that they take a break and enjoy a meal in a familiar place, like a nearby family member’s home.
Tips for moving during mid-to-late-stage dementia
The middle and late stages of dementia may present symptoms and issues that can make it difficult to include the senior loved one closely in moving day. Wilczek offered a few suggestions for moving that have worked with families she’s helped:
Moving from home to the memory care facility
If the senior is moving from home, you may want to “transport them from a place they know to a place they know,” Wilczek said. This involves a familiar family member picking up the loved one from their current home and doing an activity with them. During this time, other family members move all the necessary belongings to the senior care community and set them up. Then, when the senior arrives at their new room or apartment, they will see their familiar belongings in place.
You could also choose to take the senior loved one out to lunch. If you need more time, you could take them to a family member’s home for a visit if it is familiar to them.
Moving from a hospital or rehabilitation facility to memory care
Moving to the memory care community from a hospital or rehabilitation facility may eliminate some issues but present different ones. For example, packing belongings and moving them to the community might be easier while the loved one is not at home. “Make sure all the moving is done before they get to the community,” Wilczek said.
On the other hand, the loved one may be resistant because they want to “go home” before moving elsewhere. Wilczek said that it’s important to recognize that moving can be traumatic. Many communities offer a trial period. She suggests reminding your loved one that they’re testing out the community to see how it goes. This often offers a much-needed sense of control and lowers resistance.
Smoothing the transition of moving to memory care
Moving day isn’t easy, but with the right considerations, it can be a smooth transition. Once the transition is complete, your loved one is in the best place to get the services and help they need to maintain a great quality of life.
