As your parent ages and their health declines, you may notice that the things that used to make them happy don’t anymore. They might be cranky about being unable to drive or using a walker. Or maybe they’re spending more time alone because their friends are passing away or moving away from the area. Whatever their struggle, it’s important for both of you and their overall health to help them transition into memory care in Manalapan, FL, to better meet their needs. Here’s how:
Encourage A Sense Of Control
One of the biggest challenges with memory care is that residents often feel powerless in their own lives. They are often reminded daily that they have lost much of their independence and control over many aspects of their day-to-day experience. This can make it difficult for them to embrace the new environment as an opportunity for growth rather than simply feeling like something has been taken away from them.
You can help ease this transition by letting your loved one know that they are still in charge of their schedule, who they spend time with, and how much time they spend with you. If there are things you know will make your loved one happy, let them know about it and encourage them to get started on those activities right away!
Prepare Them For Possible Changes
As you prepare your parent for the transition, it’s important to be clear about what they can expect. While you cannot predict exactly how they will react, parents have some typical responses when moving into a memory care community. For example, many families report that their loved one is initially upset or confused by changes in their routine and surroundings. They often tell family members, “I want to go home,” or “I don’t want this place.” Families must keep these comments in mind before explaining why this type of change was necessary.
While preparing your parent for possible changes, it’s also important not to sugarcoat any aspect of life in the community. Although we do everything we can to make our residents feel safe and at home here at Mariposa, we understand that some things may be different from what they are used to at home, such as having limited privacy or getting help with personal grooming tasks like brushing teeth or getting dressed each morning. It may also make sense for family members who live far away from their parent’s residence to know exactly what type of assistance the care team provides on a daily basis so they know whether any extra visits would be beneficial during this time period (or not).
Pack Personal Belongings
You may have noticed that your mother or father has become more forgetful. You can help them to feel comfortable in their new memory care community by bringing items that are familiar, have meaning and importance, or will help them feel comfortable.
Remember to avoid bringing items that could be dangerous to your parent such as sharp objects or medications they don’t need anymore.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that the move to memory care is difficult for both you and your parent. However, by taking the time to prepare and making your parent feel as comfortable as possible, you can ease this transition considerably. The key is to make sure they know they will still have a say in their own lives while also being able to take advantage of all that the community has to offer them.
