Moving a parent with dementia is not an easy task. It requires careful consideration, research, and planning. The process can be overwhelming and filled with challenges. But it can also be rewarding knowing that you are helping your loved one receive the care they need in a safe and comfortable environment. Here are some tips for making the transition to assisted living as smooth as possible for everyone involved.
When Should Parents with Dementia Move to Assisted Living?
This is a difficult question to answer as there is no single right or wrong answer. However, the best way to determine when it is time for your parents to move into assisted living is by evaluating their current needs. Are they still able to live on their own independently? Is someone available 24/7 to help if needed? Does your parent require specialized care that cannot be provided at home? If you are unable to provide these needs at home, then it may be time for them to move into an assisted living facility.
Talking with Your Affected Parent
It’s important to remember that while this is ultimately your decision, involving your affected parent in conversations about their move is essential if possible. This may take some patience and understanding. Many people suffering from dementia may become confused or anxious about leaving their home for another place, which could lead to outbursts or other challenging behaviors. Remain calm and patient when discussing this transition—it will help make things smoother for everyone involved!
Determine a Budget
When considering moving your parent into an assisted living environment, it’s important to consider the financial implications of such a move. Assisted living facilities vary in terms of cost and what’s included in monthly fees. Many have additional costs for extra services such as laundry or meals not included in the base rate. Additionally, if you plan on hiring movers (which we highly recommend!) make sure you factor this into your budget as well.
Do Online Research
Once you have determined that it is time for your parent with dementia to move into assisted living, it’s important that you do some research online about different facilities in your area. Look for facilities that offer specialized care and services tailored specifically for those with dementia. Additionally, look at reviews from other families who have had experience with these facilities; this will give you a better idea of what each facility has to offer and how well they treat their residents.
Tour the Facilities
Once you have narrowed down your search, take the time to tour each facility in person so that you can get a better understanding of what life would be like there for your parent with dementia. Make sure that all the amenities offered meet their needs and preferences. Keep an eye out for cleanliness and safety measures taken by the facility staff as well as any social activities available within the building itself. Ask questions about health care options available on-site as well as any additional fees associated with staying at the facility should they require additional medical attention down the line.
Offer Options To Your Parents
The last step in deciding if it is time for your parent with dementia to move into assisted living is offering options directly from them so that they feel like they still have control over their lives despite their condition. Some of these options might include choosing the layout of an apartment, number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the apartment, kitchen appliances, types of activities available at the facility, types of meals provided by staff members, etc. Ultimately this will help make sure that they feel comfortable while transitioning into their new home environment!
Make a Decision
Before anything else can happen, you will need to make sure that the decision has been finalized. Once a facility has been selected, don’t delay; there are several steps that need to be completed before your mom or dad moves in. A few things that will need to be handled include physician’s orders, nursing assessment, transferring medications to the facility and power of attorney.
Prepare for Moving Day
Once all the paperwork is taken care of and your parents are ready to move into their new home at the assisted living community, it’s time for Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage to take over! Moving day can be stressful on its own, but when it comes to helping an elderly loved one move into a new residence, there are some extra considerations that must be made. Your movers should take extra care not only with your parents’ belongings but also with them personally. Have clear instructions regarding how their furniture should best fit their new space. Need professional packing services? We offer those too!
Expect Emotions
Moving a parent with dementia can bring up many different emotions; both yours and theirs. Your parents may mourn the passing of their younger years, their independence, nearby friends, and neighbors or even the home they built together–all of which brings about sadness and fear. On top of this sadness and fear they may also experience anxiety about aging and making new friends in an unfamiliar place. It is important that everyone involved acknowledges these emotions as valid. Give your parent some space if needed but let them know that you will still be there for them throughout this process.
Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage is Here to Help!
Transitioning an elderly loved one into an assisted living facility is never easy–especially when dealing with dementia–but it doesn’t have to be as stressful as it seems. With Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage’s help, along with this guide by your side, you’ll have all the tools necessary for success in aiding your parent’s move into assisted living as smoothly as possible! And remember, no matter what emotions arise throughout this process, keep communication open between yourself and your parents so they know that they’re not alone during this difficult time.
When you are ready to book a move, contact Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage team at one of our convenient Texas locations in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Austin to receive an estimate, learn about availability, and make plans—we’ll make it easy!
