The Move In

The hardest thing for a family to do is give up control of their loved one to a group of unknown people to care for a person with Dementia . You have spent months, years, protecting them learning everything they like, how in the world is someone else going to be able to learn all these things you have spent years learning?

The 1st thing you have to look at is the Quality of Life they have. Is there any type of activity program you are providing as a stimulus for them? Are there any socialization events with people their own age? They need to have that. Also, have they progresses to a point where simple little tasks are extremely hard for them to do now, and you are at a loss for what to do with them during the day?

Do you have a job that you have to go to during the day and they are left alone in the house? Do you feel that they are safe? Do they wander? Can they operate appliances safely? These are all questions you must ask yourself. You would never forgive yourself if some tragedy would occur while you were not there. It only takes a minute!!

When you do plan the move in, make sure to take just enough memories to remind them of all the fond things of the past. Do not bring in a lot of glass items that can break easy. Make it a rule of thumb if they can eat or drink it and its poison, it should not be in their room. Dementia residents alot of times lose the ability to reason properly and will do things that a normal adult would never even consider. Make the room simple and easy to move around in. Do not clutter the area.

In most instances, be prepared for them to be upset, angry, worried about the move. They will want to leave with you. Do not take any attacks personally, they are trying to make you feel guilty so you will take them out of this new unfamiliar place.

Remember the people in these communities are trained to take care of Dementia residents and deal with them daily. It will take time and patience, but they will adjust.

DO THE MOVE BEFORE YOU BURN YOURSELF OUT FIRST!! THEY NEED YOU STRONG!!