Transitioning a loved one to memory care is a significant decision that involves emotional and logistical challenges. It can be one of the hardest choices you’ve ever had to make. In the San Francisco Bay Area, there are Fairfield care centers for Alzheimer’s and dementia, like The Village at Rancho Solano.
Our team members serve as valuable resources for families during this difficult time and can help you prepare for the future.
Planning for the Future: Moving a Parent to Memory Care
One of the first steps in preparing for a parent’s move to an assisted living community with memory care is to determine if it is the right choice. These signs may indicate that your loved one is ready for Alzheimer’s and dementia care:
- Frequent wandering or getting lost
- Experiencing falls or accidents
- Difficulty with personal care
- Significant changes in behavior or personality
- Difficulty with basic tasks like cooking or managing finances
- Caregiver burnout
Do Nursing Homes Offer Memory Care?
Nursing home facilities differ from memory care communities because they’re designed for individuals needing high-level medical assistance like wound care. Memory care communities, specifically designed for individuals with dementia, provide specialized support, cognitive activities, and a secure environment.
If you think that memory care might offer the right level of care for your loved one, there are several steps you can take.
Get an Early Diagnosis
A person with dementia or Alzheimer’s can benefit from getting an early diagnosis because it is crucial for putting a future care plan together. Here’s why we recommend it:
Planning for the Future
An early diagnosis helps families prepare for their loved one’s future health care needs while they can still make important decisions – that can preserve their autonomy and dignity. Planning also reduces stress and uncertainty for family members, as they will clearly understand their loved one’s wishes. The conversations can revolve around:
- The type of care they would like to receive, such as in-home care, assisted living, or memory care
- Financial and legal considerations, including long-term care insurance and estate planning
Managing Symptoms
Early diagnoses also help families manage Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms more effectively. Through early intervention, loved ones can implement strategies to support memory, communication, and daily living. Examples include memory aids like charts and labels, routine meal times, and modifications to the home to reduce accident risks.
Accessing Support
An early diagnosis can also help families access resources and support services to improve their loved one’s quality of life. That may include:
- Support groups
- Transportation options
- Respite care for caregivers
- Specialized care services
Moving a Spouse to Memory Care
This scenario can be even more challenging since many couples have been together for years, and the thought of separating can be overwhelming. It is normal to feel guilt and loneliness but remind yourself why you and your spouse need help. To ease the transition, plan ahead for your own living arrangements—continue living in the house if you wish, or consider other options where you might feel more comfortable.
Transitioning to Memory Care: Senior Care in Fairfield
Once your parent or spouse has been diagnosed, the next step is to research memory care centers in Fairfield, CA. The Village at Rancho Solano provides assisted living and memory care. Our innovative, evidence-based Connections program offers comprehensive support to those with cognitive impairment. Our team of compassionate dementia care specialists helps residents maintain independence and a sense of self. We also work with family members to understand their loved ones, with a person-centered approach to care that leads to better outcomes.
Tips for Moving a Loved One to Memory Care
Bringing your loved one on a memory care community tour might seem like the right thing to do, but it can add to their confusion and anxiety at first. Understand their preferences, and let that guide your final decision. These tips can ease the transition for moving a spouse to memory care, courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Wait until the moving date to explain what will happen. Too much notice can lead to anticipation anxiety. Instead of telling them it’s a permanent move, consider mentioning a temporary change. That approach can be easier for them to handle. Ensure that family members and caregivers are aware and keep the message consistent.
- Contact their physician to alert them of the move. The doctor may want to adjust their medications to coincide with the possibility of heightened anxiety.
- Once they are moved in, avoid visiting for a week. The first few days are vital for forging new relationships with caregivers and residents, and if you are there, it could lead to a setback.
- Decorate their new apartment with their belongings, from the bed to photos to their favorite blankets. Familiarity is key.
- Be sure you are taking care of yourself, too. Try to get extra rest, relaxation, and exercise. Do something nice for yourself – you also need care during this journey.
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Ease the Journey into Fairfield Memory Care With The Village at Rancho Solano
Transitioning into memory care for parents and spouses is hard on loved ones, but in time, they will bond with caregivers, make new friends, and thrive. The Village at Rancho Solano’s Connections program for memory care provides innovative therapies to help your loved one maintain their independence and sense of self. Contact us to request a tour.