Dementia is a common problem as people get older. It can be devastating to watch a loved one develop serious neurological deficits. Fortunately, there are resources available to help those who have been diagnosed with dementia, and assisted living with memory care is one of those resources. If you are wondering how to move a parent with dementia to assisted living, take a look at a few important points below.

How To Discuss Moving With Your Senior

The topic of moving can be difficult. A lot of senior citizens have lived in their homes for decades, and they cannot imagine the thought of living anywhere else. At the same time, it is important to approach this issue with their best interests at heart. If you talk about moving with your senior loved one from a place of care and compassion, they will be more open to discussing the issue with you. Remind them that you only want what’s best for them, and moving into an assisted living center may be the best option.

The Best Time To Discuss Moving With a Parent With Dementia

If you are wondering how to move parent into assisted living, the best time to do so is during the early stages. If you wait for dementia to progress, your parent may no longer know who you are and the move can cause lots of confusion. . Furthermore, if the conversation takes place over several days or weeks, they may forget what you talked about last time, making the challenge even more difficult. Therefore, you should have the conversation with them during the early stages of dementia. Most of their neurological faculties will probably still be intact, and you will have an easier time reasoning with them.

Find a Memory Care Community With North Star Senior Advisors

As you take a look at assisted living communities for a parent with dementia, it is important to find a community that is able to provide the memory care they require. That is where our team can help you. At North Star Senior Advisors, we have an extensive network we can use to help you find the right assisted living center for your parent. When asking, “how to move a parent with dementia to assisted living,” it’s important ton remember not every community is able to care for someone who suffers from dementia. You need to find a community that can care for your parent not only now, but also as the condition worsens down the road.

Tips for Moving Your Senior With Dementia

If you want to move a senior loved one who suffers from dementia, there are several important tips you should follow. They include:

Visit the Community Before Moving

Depending on the stage of your loved one’s dementia disease, you can always bring them along for a visit to the community before moving there. You need to give your loved one the opportunity to explore the space. That way, he or she can familiarize themselves with the community. This is particularly important if you have several options on the table. We highly recommend you visit the facilities first and narrow down the option to one so it’s less overwhelming. If your loved one has later stages of dementia, it’s best you make the decision for them. They are not at a stage where they can make decisions let alone understand what’s happening. Your job is to be there for them during this transition.

Make Their Living Space Familiar

Next, make the living space feel familiar. Even though it is not the same as their prior home, you can make it feel like their original home. Try to put up some family pictures. If there are personal nick-nacks, make sure you put them on the shelves. You may even want to move some of the same furniture into the assisted living home. Making the space feel familiar will make the transition that much easier.

Befriend Caregivers and Staff

You want your loved one to have a good experience, so make sure you build a relationship with the caregivers and staff. Having constant communication will help keep you updated on how things are going. Remember, caregivers have a stressful and rewarding job. Understand that they are caring for several residents with dementia, not just your loved one. Having a relationship is very important for your peace of mind.

Joining Support Groups

Speaking of the transition, you should join support groups. Many assisted living communities have specific programs that have been designed to make the transition easier. This is particularly helpful for someone who is developing dementia. This program can go a long way toward making your loved one feel at home and help you feel less guilty.

Make the Move Smoother for a Parent With Dementia

During the transportation process, make sure to remind your parent why this move is so important. This can help you make the transition that much easier. Furthermore, make sure you work with our team, North Star Senior Advisors. We can help you find the right senior living community for your loved one. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team.