Entering a new stage of life and new community can be exciting but also challenging for your loved one, especially if they’re dealing with cognitive difficulties such as Alzheimer’s disease. A memory care lifestyle can be an excellent option to help make this transition easier. 

Let’s look at how you can help your loved one move into a new stage of life and embrace a memory care lifestyle when they’re dealing with Alzheimer’s. 

A Closer Look at Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive cognitive condition and is the most common form of dementia. 

Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can include forgetting recent events or conversations. Unfortunately, this disease gets progressively worse and affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.

Some signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may include: 

• Having trouble with familiar tasks
• Issues with speech and writing
• Memory loss that affects daily activities
• Mood and personality changes
• Decreased personal hygiene

Alzheimer’s can span several years, and your loved one will usually experience 7 stages of the disease with varying results. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, so it’s essential that you sit down with your loved one and discuss how a memory care lifestyle can help. 

How Memory Care Works

Dealing with cognitive challenges is never easy, and your loved ones’ health and quality of life are important things to consider later in life. Getting supportive and experienced care for your loved one is a priority.

Alzheimer’s disease can leave your loved one unable to live independently, and that’s where a memory care lifestyle can benefit them most. 

Memory care supports your loved one and takes a holistic approach to enrich, nurture, and guide your loved one to push forward daily. Your loved one’s needs are essential, and their memory care community will build a lifestyle around their specific needs. 

Your loved ones’ memory care community has dedicated care levels that are determined through individualized assessments that include assistance with activities of daily living like: 

• Using the restroom
• Bathing or showering
• Medication administration
• Personal grooming and oral hygiene
• Meals

You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your loved one’s needs are met and they’re treated with dignity and respect.

Helping Your Loved One Transition to Memory Care

Helping transition someone with Alzheimer’s into a memory care community involves some tough conversations and decisions. Being understanding and patient with your loved one is essential. Moving on to a new stage of life in an unfamiliar environment can be tough on your loved one, so let’s explore some things you can do to help. 

Plan Ahead

The progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease makes planning ahead an essential aspect of the transition process. Discussing what living arrangements would be most comfortable for your loved one can help you prepare and find the right community for their needs.

Upon finding the ideal community, find some time to speak with the team that will be supporting your loved one. This process can allow you to share your loved one’s hobbies and interests and make the transition easier for them.

Create a Familiar Environment

Familiarity is always a warm feeling, and if you know what your loved one’s new living space will look like and you have access, you can add some personal touches to make them feel more comfortable and at home. 

Decorating your loved one’s new living space with familiar belongings and memories can help them transition and embrace their new home. 

Lighten Up the Moving Day

The day of the big move can be stressful and even sad, but it doesn’t have to have a somber tone. It’s an excellent idea to approach moving day like it’s any other day and accompany your loved one to their new community. 

Helping your loved one settle in can help them feel relaxed and reduce the anxiety of the significant change. It may take some time for both you and your loved one to adjust, and this is entirely normal—your presence will be helpful, so making time to visit can brighten up your loved ones’ day. 

The Dedication Your Loved One Deserves

Any shift in lifestyle and routine can be challenging to come to terms with. A memory care lifestyle can help your loved one get the dedicated, experienced care they deserve. You can get that peace of mind knowing your loved ones’ needs are being met in their new community.

Get in contact with a professional today to learn about transitioning to a memory care community.