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EASING THE
TRANSITION
Transitioning from home to a residential care
setting, such as an assisted living facility or
nursing home, can be challenging for both caregivers
and care recipients.
Here's how to make the move easier:
Do due diligence.
Caregivers need to have a high degree of comfort in
their selection. The quality of these settings
varies greatly. Your decision should be based on
three important factors: Is there a dementia care
unit staffed by professionals with specific dementia
training? Is the facility close enough to your home
and/or work to allow for visitation at a level that
is best for your family? Does the facility meet the
specific medical, social, therapeutic and emotional
needs of your loved one?
Understand the emotions at play. An
individual with dementia may not be able to fully
appreciate the nature of the event or the long-term
implications of placement. He may react to your
emotional state during the move. Also, the new
surroundings can be overwhelming and confusing, but
this will subside in a few days or a week. Give him
time to acclimate and to get used to the staff.
Provide input. Share your extensive knowledge
of your loved one with the staff, including the unit
nurse, social worker and nutritionist prior to
admission. Employees need time to learn about your
loved one's medical condition, temperament, behavior
patterns, likes and dislikes, etc.
Talk about it. The level of disclosure to
your loved one about the upcoming move is a decision
you must make based on your knowledge of his ability
to understand this information. If you think it will
help to talk about it each day for a couple of weeks
prior to the move, be sure that he has a chance to
express his concerns and fears. Be patient and
understanding. Offer reassurance of your ongoing
commitment and plans for regular visitation.
Prepare the room. Plan to have the room set
up before your loved one moves in. Put in familiar
objects, but nothing of value that could be
misplaced or damaged. Label his clothing and
personal items as well.
Be by his side. Accompany your loved to the
facility for the actual move, and repeatedly explain
that he will be okay and that you are there to help.
You may want to stay for the day and have dinner
together at the residence. When it is time to go,
explain that you have to leave for a while, but will
return as soon as you can. Assure him that he will
be fine.
Ask for extra attention. Introduce your loved
one to the employee who will be available during the
first shift that he is there alone. Ask the staff to
tell each subsequent shift that he is new to the
facility and needs some special consideration,
kindness and reassurance.
Check in regularly. Monitor the care of your
loved one on a regular basis, and advocate on his
behalf with the staff and administration.
Think about yourself. Tap your network of
family and friends for emotional comfort. And seek
support from others who have been through this
situation. The facility may host a support group on
site or look for a support group in your area.
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