If your loved one currently resides at an East Madison assisted living community and you’re a bit nervous at the thought of visiting them – you’re not alone. Many people don’t know what to expect when visiting a senior living community or an East Madison memory care facility. This is especially true if your loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The good news is that Tennyson Assisted Living is here to help. In this blog, we’ve compiled some helpful tips for you to consider when planning a visit to your loved one’s East Madison assisted living community.
Prepare for Something Unexpected
If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, just know that your visit could be quite challenging. You may have seen them a few weeks ago, and everything was pretty normal. However, it’s important to remember that each day can present new obstacles. Their condition may have worsened since your last interaction, so be prepared to handle that situation.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s do not have consistent progression, they can fluctuate from time to time. Speak to one of the staff members at our East Madison senior living community to find out your loved one’s recent behavior habits. This can help you can prepare for your visit.
Kindness and Patience Are Crucial
You should exude kindness and patience to your loved one and to yourself. If your loved is dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may not know who you are. They may call you by a different name throughout your visit. If so, just remember that they are not trying to hurt your feelings. The disease is causing them to act this way; remember that.
During or after your visit, you may become frustrated with yourself. It’s easy to think that you could have done something different in the past, then maybe your loved one would remember you more vividly. Experts at our East Madison assisted living community encourage you to avoid beating yourself up, as the disease can cause you to become frustrated. Remember, the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia are out of your control. The best thing you can do is continue to be kind to yourself and your loved one during this challenging time.
Agree with Your Loved One, Don’t Correct Them
Individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia will often say something that is incorrect, especially when the disease continues to progress. Their reality is far different than yours, and they can become quickly agitated and confused if you correct their mistakes. Staff members at your loved one’s East Madison senior living community suggest that you continue to agree with them or nod along during conversation. Just make sure your actions or words are not affecting your loved one’s overall health or care.
Tennyson Assisted Living, a Premier East Madison Memory Care Facility
If your loved one requires high-quality, around-the-clock memory care, Tennyson Assisted Living is here to help. We help every resident by providing a loving and compassionate environment. Our staff promises to give your loved one the best care possible so they can enjoy their golden years.
Give us a call today at (608) 286-1410, or contact us online for more information. We look forward to speaking with you soon.