How to Move a Parent with Dementia to Assisted Living Facility

Having a talk with your aging loved ones about a transition into a nursing home or assisted living facility can be very difficult. This is a very emotional part when you let your aging loved ones know that it is time for them to go into a nursing facility. This is such a difficult phase in everyone’s lives, but this is the crucial part. Of course they may not understand at first, but by slowly explaining to them the reason why, they will soon see your reasons. Proper timing as to when to start the conversation is key here.

They will always be reluctant at first, because of their fears. That’s understandable though, especially if they are suffering from dementia. People with dementia will get confused and agitated if they are in an environment that is new.

‍Addressing the Issues

‍1. Living space conditions2. Problems with performing their daily activities3. Health problems4. Money matters5. Mobility

‍What is dementia?

‍Dementia is a term where one’s mental ability declines that is severe enough that it interferes with the individual’s daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects the thinking, behavior and one’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks.

‍How to Ease the Transition of Your Aging Loved One

‍Making the transition for the elderly with dementia is a big deal. Those that are suffering from the disease need something or someone that is always familiar to them because they get confused and easily get agitated if something new is introduced abruptly.1. Introduce your loved one in the facility before they actually move there. Gradual introduction of the new environment helps them in familiarizing the new surroundings for which they will be staying.2. Keeping familiar items in their new room – especially with their favorite things. If possible, make their room look exactly like their old room.3. Make sure that staffs are informed about your loved one’s personal preferences.4. Make sure that they get to eat their favorite snacks or food especially if they come from a different culture and being introduced to a bicultural or multicultural environment.5. Keep a list of your loved one’s favorite songs.6. Visit your loved ones daily.7. Make you that you consult with the doctor before you ever move your loved one in the nursing facility to make sure they have the medical equipment and medicine supply for your loved ones.Understanding their needs and their apprehensions and being able to address them accordingly would greatly help them in their transition to a nursing home facility.This great guest post was written by Jesse Waugh who writes for Daughterly Care.