After making the decision to move your loved one to a memory care community, your next priority will be to make the transition as easy as possible. This change is a positive one that undoubtedly benefits your senior, but it is important to help them see things that way. All things considered, this is a big step and a drastic life change. It is only natural that they are going to need ample love and support as they navigate the transition. 

Here at the best senior memory care in Lincoln, we want to offer some insight on how you can better assist your loved one as they make the move to our community. Below, we have gathered a list of tips that you will want to take into consideration. Let’s explore them together:

Tip #1: Have an Open Conversation

One of the first things that you need to do before making the move is to have a genuine, open conversation with your senior loved one. This can prove to be especially challenging if they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but it is still a vital step. Sit down and clearly communicate with them about what the next steps are and what they should expect. But above all else, be willing to listen.

Encourage them to ask any questions they may have, share concerns or fears, and let them express any thoughts or emotions they might be feeling. Even if this transition is a positive one that will improve their quality of life, it can still be difficult to fully grasp. Reiterate that you will always be there for them and available to offer support, love, and encouragement.

Tip #2: Test the Waters with Respite Care

If you aren’t sure how your senior is going to fare at a memory care community, you can always test the waters with respite care. Here at CountryHouse, our respite care services allow seniors to enjoy our community for the day. They can participate in group activities, meet new friends, and even dine on some of our delicious food! 

Should your loved one express concerns about moving to senior memory care in Lincoln, this is the perfect opportunity to see for themselves exactly what life at a memory care community is like. Even staying for the day can bring about a lot of peace of mind and help them to become more familiar with the community, the staff, and the other residents. 

Tip #3: Create Connections With Staff

Prior to making the decision to move to a memory care community, you likely took a tour and met several staff members. These kind and caring individuals will be the ones responsible for ensuring your loved one is well taken care of. That is why it is very important to establish a rapport with them and get to know them on a first name basis. 

In a similar vein, you will want to share personal details about your loved one with the staff who will be overseeing their care. Some common information may include:

• What your loved one did for a living prior to retirement
• How many children and/or grandchildren they have
• Favorite foods, shows, movies, snacks, beverages, etc.
• Their daily routine such as their preferred time to wake up and go to bed
• Any special activities or routines that help your senior feel comfortable and calm
• Beloved hobbies or special interests

Taking this additional measure to ensure that staff has background information on your loved one will go a long way in helping them to connect and feel more at home in their new community. 

Tip #4: Bring Familiar Items From Home

This next tip is extremely important for those who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Having familiar items around their room or apartment can be very beneficial for helping your loved one feel more at home. This can look different for each individual, but a few suggestions may include:

• Family photo albums or framed pictures of loved ones, including pets
• A favorite throw blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal
• Small trinkets or decor items
• A special lamp or nightlight they like to use 

Prior to moving into our senior memory care in Lincoln, feel free to ask our helpful team for any additional suggestions or recommendations and we would be happy to assist! 

Tip #5: Visit and Call Frequently

Once your senior is all settled into their new home, reassure them that you will keep in touch by visiting and calling often. If you live a long distance away and can’t always make the trip in person, utilize technology by video chatting. For those with later stages of dementia, their verbal communication skills may have declined, making it difficult to talk on the phone. However, being able to see you and hear you via video conferencing can feel very similar to a face-to-face visit. 

Also, don’t forget to send letters and cards! Getting mail at their senior living community is a great way to brighten their day and give them something tangible to put up in their room. This is something to be particularly mindful of around various holidays. 

Tip #6: Anticipate Roadblocks

Last but not least, remember that roadblocks are going to happen. Despite the transition to memory care being a good thing, hiccups and missteps are a natural occurrence. This fact is especially true when your loved one one is facing cognitive decline. In the first weeks after they move in, your loved one might experience agitation, anxiety, and mood swings. Our highly trained staff will be there to help every step of the way and are highly versed in assisting with this stage of the transition period. 

Make the Move to CountryHouse

If you are searching for quality senior memory care in Lincoln, then look no further than CountryHouse. Our community specializes in assisting seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of cognitive decline. With many amazing services and amenities available to our residents, we know that our community will be a place where they can feel right at home! 
To learn more about our community, please contact us today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as set up a time for you to tour CountryHouse.