Moving to a new home is stressful, and a senior with dementia may find it especially difficult to adjust to a fresh environment. To help with the transition, try to involve your aging loved one as much as possible in the decision-making process while keeping his or her abilities and routines in mind. Then use these tips to reduce stress and make a plan that will benefit everyone throughout the moving process.
Make Long-Term Plans
Multiple moves can be confusing for a senior with dementia. Therefore, it’s important to think about your loved one’s future needs when choosing a new residence. For example, a loved one with dementia may need a smaller home that’s easier to maintain, or it may be best for him or her to live with a family member who can assist with care.
Form a Support Team
Moving day can pose several challenges when your loved one has dementia. For some people, it can be painful to watch their possessions be put in boxes and removed from the homes they’re leaving behind. In these instances, it may be best to have a family member or companion available who can distract your loved one with an outing.
You might want to consider hiring a caregiver to help your loved one through the transition period. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Add Personal Touches
Once your loved one’s belongings have been moved to the new home, try to set up the living environment in a way that’s familiar. Make the bed with your loved one’s favorite blankets, place pictures of family nearby, and make sure other meaningful possessions are in sight.
Moving can be especially stressful and confusing for seniors with dementia, and that can make it nerve-racking for their families as well. Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Montgomery families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Throughout the entire moving process and after, it’s important to try to keep your loved one’s routine as consistent as possible. Strive to make sure he or she eats meals at the same time each day and still has time to enjoy favorite activities. While some things may change after the move, try to keep the basic elements of your loved one’s routine in place. Seniors who are still living independently or living with family members may also benefit from having professional caregivers who are capable of making sure their daily routines are kept in place.
Maintaining regular schedules provides a sense of normalcy and comfort for many seniors with dementia, and a professional caregiver can help your loved one maintain that vital daily routine. Families looking for top-rated Montgomery elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Call us at (334) 593-3988 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.