As time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult to care for an aging loved one. The day will come when caring for them at home is no longer possible or safe to do. That’s why you need to start planning if your family member requires assisted living or memory care services. To help you prepare your older loved one for the move, here are some tips.
1. Prepare Your Loved One for the Move
Your senior loved one may not be happy about moving into an assisted living and memory care home, so you’ll need to help them prepare. You can start by finding out more about these services and explaining what their new responsibilities will be. For example, you can explain that they will have more freedom than living at home. They will also receive needed assistance with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing.
The next step is to work together on creating a transition plan for your loved one’s move into an assisted living and memory care home. Create a timeline of events leading up to the move-in date, including packing up crucial items.
Once you’re on the move-in date, help them unpack any essential belongings. They will feel more comfortable in their new surroundings after they have unpacked some items. Then, introduce them to some of the skilled nursing facility’s staff that will become familiar faces each time they enter the building.
2. Prepare Yourself For This Life Transition
Moving an older loved one into assisted living and memory care home can be an emotional experience, which is why it’s best to prepare yourself before the move. This means finding a support system of family members or friends who will help you through this difficult time. You may even find comfort in joining a support group for those going through the same situation as you.
Above all, take care of your well-being during this transition period. Caring for an older loved one can be challenging and stressful work, so it’s important to take breaks and stay healthy throughout the process. Participate in activities that give your mind and body a break from dealing with responsibilities at home. These might include exercising, attending social events, or just spending some downtime alone reading or watching television.
3. Get Updated Medical Information
An important part of preparing your loved one for the move is collecting essential medical information they may need at the facility. This means finding out their routine medications and any special medical equipment they use daily, such as an oxygen tank. Additionally, you will want to find out if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Once you have all of your loved one’s updated medical information, discuss it with the staff at the skilled nursing home so they know what to watch out for in advance. Provide them with emergency contact numbers so they can reach family members if needed. Also, make sure to bring over copies of current prescriptions for medications that will continue until new ones can be ordered by the facility.
4. Keep in Touch
Let your loved one know that you are always available if they have any questions or concerns about their transition into an assisted living or memory care facility. Make sure you respect your loved one’s boundaries and don’t touch them unless they are okay with it first. Always ask permission before changing their environment and respect the times when they want to be alone.
Further, arrange for grandkids or other family members in your loved one’s life to visit. If no such relatives exist, consider contacting a friend from church, school, or work that you think might be interested in keeping in touch with your loved one.
Preparing an older loved one for the move to an assisted living and memory care home is a big step in helping them maintain their independence and dignity. With patience, planning, and practice, it doesn’t have to be too difficult.
For more information about assisted living, call Via Elegante today.
