Helping a parent move into a new stage of life is an important process, and cognitive challenges like dementia can accelerate the need for a life change. It starts with knowing your parents and considering their needs when searching for the right community and lifestyle.
Helping a parent with dementia move to assisted living can be challenging, but it requires patience, compassion, and the right community.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can help a parent with dementia move to an assisted living lifestyle.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a unique lifestyle option designed to help your loved ones who value their independence but also may need more help with activities of daily living.
Activities of daily living can include things such as:
- Eating
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Mobility
Assisted living is a blend of support and independence, focusing on prioritizing your loved one’s needs and comfort. Your loved ones’ new assisted living apartments feature gorgeous furnishings and finishes and include:
- Large windows to fill the space with natural light
- Kitchenettes equipped with high-end appliances
- Private bathrooms with accessibility and functionality in mind
Assisted living allows your loved ones to have more time to focus on engaging in new hobbies and expanding their social circle. To do that, their new assisted living community offers various services and amenities that include:
- Experienced and compassionate care
- Specially trained staff members
- Appropriate activities incorporating your loved ones’ unique interests
- Personalized activities
When your loved one is dealing with a cognitive challenge like dementia, a dedicated community can make all the difference in their quality of life.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia isn’t a specific disease but a general term for impaired cognitive function. Dementia can affect your ability to remember, think, or make decisions in everyday life.
People with dementia can have varying signs and symptoms and have problems with:
- Memory
- Communication
- Attention
- Problem-solving
- Visual perception
Dementia can lead to frustration for your loved one, and they may begin requiring extra care and attention. A new community and assisted living lifestyle can help your loved one maintain a high quality of life as they age.
Other signs that can point to dementia include:
- Not being able to complete tasks independently
- Forgetting older memories
- Forgetting the names of family and friends
- Getting lost in familiar places
If your loved one’s dementia progresses, a memory care lifestyle can also be an excellent option to provide them with the care they need and deserve.
Helping Your Parent Make the Move
Moving a parent with dementia into an assisted living community is a major transition and can be challenging for them. The journey will be emotional, and knowing some tips and suggestions can help you get started.
Discuss the Move Early
Dementia can be a challenging condition to navigate, so beginning the conversation about the transition to assisted living early can be helpful.
Looking ahead to find the right community and scheduling visits can help familiarize them with their new living space. Your parent’s condition can signify the right time to move to their new community, but discussing the move early can help them feel more comfortable.
Help with Packing
Last-minute packing can cause unwanted stress and even make your parent forget some essential items and belongings.
Helping with packing can also help your parent relax and gather items that are special to them to bring along to their new living space.
Visit Your Parents’ New Community
A visit to their new assisted living community can help your parent begin developing a sense of familiarity and comfort. Visiting with your loved one a few times to check out what activities or events are offered can help them feel right at home.
Be Patient
Dementia can be a complex and debilitating disease. Your loved one will need patience and understanding during this time. Taking the time to answer any questions or concerns about their new living space can help make your loved one more comfortable with their situation.
Speaking with the team at your loved one’s assisted living community can also help you prepare them for their new lifestyle.
A Safe & Comfortable Living Space
Transitioning to a new stage of life can be a challenging experience for your parent, especially if they have dementia. Helping your parents move with a patient and involved approach can make all the difference and help them feel comfortable.
Schedule a visit to The Lodge at Historic Lewes to explore your loved one’s new community and see if it’s a good fit for them.
