Tips for Helping a Loved One Downsize to Residential Memory Care

Helping a loved one living with a memory disorder transition as smoothly as possible into a residential care setting often becomes a priority following a diagnosis of a dementia-related condition. As symptoms progress, specialized, around-the-clock care can be the best decision to make to ensure a safe environment that may help the loved one continue to live life to the fullest. Downsizing a life to fit intoa smaller residence, however, can be difficult. There are tips that can help people living with memory disorders and their loved ones make the move as comfortable as possible.

If it is time to consider a residential move or one is already in motion, these tips can help ease the transition:

• Choose the right memory care facility for the loved one – Taketime to carefully select the residential setting that will provide the appropriate level of care. This requires diligence in looking into a center’s background, licensing and track record with residents. Making several visits with and without the loved one can also be quite beneficial. Ideally, a residential setting will be staffed by people highly trained in caring for people living with memory disorders. In addition, the facility should be clean, comfortable and have a philosophy that puts resident care and dignity first. A comfortable, homelike environment can be important for those living with memory disorders as can access to a variety of activities meant to help residents enjoy their lives and continue to pursue interests.

• Get the loved one involved as much as possible – When feasible, let the loved one take an active role in selecting the residential care setting he or she is most comfortable in. Once a care location is selected, be sure to empower the loved one to help with choosing items to bring along. Certain restrictions may apply based on safety requirements and space considerations.

• Request a copy of a room’s floor plan or its dimensions – A floor plan can serve as an excellent guide to ensure items brought along with a loved one will fit with ease. Be sure to draw in furniture to make more accurate judgements about possible room arrangements and what items can be brought along.

• Make the loved one’s room as personalized as possible – One of the best ways to help a loved one feel at home in a new setting is to ensure their personal surroundings are truly as homelike as possible. This means setting up a room with personal effects, photographs and other items the person associates with home. If possible, let the loved one take an active role in setting up his or her surroundings.

• Consider clothing and other comforts – An entire wardrobe is not necessary to bring, but do make sure to bring several outfit changes, night clothes and undergarments. Bedding should be soft and comfortable. A plush, but light comforter can be soothing while allowing for easier movement at night.

• Add personal touches – Taking the time to decorate the front door to a room with a wreath or other item can help a loved one remember which room is theirs.

• Don’t forget lighting – Bedside lamps are excellent additions to ensure a loved one is not in the dark at nighttime.

• Furniture considerations – Some home care settings allow residents to bring their own beds. Be sure to ask about this, and if possible, see if a comfortable sitting chair will also fit in the space. Do ask if televisions are allowed before bringing one along. Rules about televisions may vary from care home to care home.

Downsizing into a residential care setting can be difficult for loved ones living with memory disorders, but there are ways to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. By taking the time to select the right setting and then empowering the loved one to make it feel like home, families can ease the process and make the adjustment less traumatic for themselves and their loved ones.

About AuthorThe Cottages have been operating in Texas since 1997 and are family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living. The Cottages are state-of-the-art certified assisted living residences for people living with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.

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The Cottages have been operating in Texas since 1997 and are family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living.