The decision to move a loved one into an East Madison memory care community is not easy. The transition is most often difficult for both the caretaker and their loved one. If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they most likely don’t understand why they are moving. As their caretaker––son, daughter, sister, brother, niece, or nephew––you are the best person to help them through the process of integration into their new community.
Seniors who have already been living in an assisted living facility in Madison or a senior living community in Madison may have an easier time with the transition. However, everyone is different, so it is important to go one step at a time.
Ask your doctor and the memory care facility for suggestions to simplify the transition.
Here we are offering a series of general suggestions for helping your loved one make the transition but speaking to your loved one’s health care providers is critical. They have helped countless others walk through the transition and most likely have important insight that can help.
Avoid talking too much about the move into their new facility.
Unlike assisted living facilities in Madison, East Madison memory care communities are primarily for seniors with moderate to severe memory problems. Those with moderate to severe memory problems will most likely have trouble understanding why they are moving or remembering that they are moving at all. As a result, talking about the move may be unnecessarily upsetting or confusing.
Visit the new facility with them several times before moving day.
Arrange with the facility to spend several hours, eat a meal, and meet some other residents. This will help them become familiar with their new location before moving permanently. It will also give the staff at the memory care facility the opportunity to meet them and understand their unique situation better.
Be prepared for difficulties or setbacks.
Not every senior living community in Madison is the same. Your loved one may resist the change or even lash out. This is standard behavior for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Be patient and listen to your loved one; they are struggling to understand why their world is changing so dramatically. Try to validate their feelings when you can and avoid arguing with them.
Don’t feel guilty.
Remember that your loved one isn’t the only one transitioning––you are too. Memory care facilities are designed to help those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their families. If your loved one needs more help than you can offer, don’t feel bad about getting them the help they really need.
Tennyson Retirement Living: A Madison Senior Retirement Community Offering Assisted Living and Memory Care
We would be glad to answer any questions you might have and help you find the best care available for your loved one. Ask about our options for independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Call us at (608) 286-1410 or check out our website.
Tennyson Retirement Living
1936 Tennyson Lane
Madison, WI 53704