Making the Transition to A Dementia Care Home
21st July 2023
Moving a loved one with dementia into a care home can be an emotional and challenging process for both the individual and their family. This blog offers practical advice to ease the transition, such as involving the person in the decision, maintaining familiar routines, and providing reassurance. It emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the care home and caring for yourself throughout the journey. By following these steps, you can help ensure a smoother adjustment for your loved one and provide them with the support they need.
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Moving a loved one with dementia to a care home can be a difficult and emotional experience for both the individual and their family. It is common for family members to experience a range of emotions like guilt, sadness, and anxiety when making the decision to move their loved one to a care home.
However, with careful planning and support, you can help make the transition to a specialised dementia care home as smooth as possible. Here are some tips for supporting your loved one through the move:
Involve Your Loved One in the Decision-Making Process
It is important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible.
While their ability to decide about the transfer may make this not always practical, but their opinions should be taken into account when making decisions. Try to be positive about the move, and the benefits it may have for the person; give them as many options as you can so they feel like they have some control. This will help them feel more in control and less like they are being forced into a situation.
You can do so by discussing the reasons for the move, and the options available to them, and by taking them on tours of different care homes.
Prepare Your Loved One for The Move
As the move date approaches, it is important to prepare your loved one for the change. Talk to them about what to expect, including the routines and activities in the care home. You can also help them pack their belongings and ensure that they have familiar items with them, such as family photos or a favourite blanket.
Maintain A Familiar Routine
Moving to a care home can be disorienting for someone with dementia, so if you can, try to maintain a familiar routine as much as possible. This includes sticking to regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and other everyday routines. It may also be beneficial to visit your loved one at the same time every day, at least at first.
Stay Positive and Reassuring
During the transition to a dementia care home, your loved one is likely to feel a variety of feelings, including fear, worry, and sadness. It’s essential to remain optimistic and comforting, emphasising the benefits of the relocation and reminding them that they are loved and supported.
Keep in Touch
Keep close contact with your loved one after the move. Visit them on a regular basis, call or video chat with them, and include them in family activities as much as possible. Remember that this is the beginning of a relationship between the person with dementia, family, and the care home employees. So, if possible, interact with the care home staff to stay up to date on your loved one’s progress.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself during this process. Moving a loved one with dementia to a care home can be emotionally exhausting, and it’s important to prioritize self-care. This might include talking to a therapist or joining a support group for caregivers.
Moving a loved one with dementia to a care facility can be a difficult experience, but it can also be a positive step towards ensuring they receive the care and support they require. You may help make the transition as painless as possible by involving your loved one in the decision-making process, preparing them for the move, maintaining a familiar routine, remaining positive and comforting, staying in touch, and taking care of yourself.
