Helping Your Loved One Adjust To A Dementia Care Community

Dementia Care Community

A loved one moving into a dementia care facility may take days, weeks, or even months to adjust. Unfortunately, neither the length of the adjustment phase nor the obstacles and environmental triggers that must be addressed throughout it can be predicted.

Nevertheless, there are things we can do to lessen our loved one’s difficulties, worries, and fears as a result of the initial transition into dementia care, regardless of how long the adjustment phase lasts. In dementia care communities, family counseling and family support groups can smoothen the transition for everyone. Senior care experts in our dementia care community share some important things that you should know about the time needed to adjust to a dementia care community.

After The Initial Move To Dementia Care

Increased behavioral symptoms like depression, and disorientation have been linked to the initial transition into dementia care. It might be difficult for family members to tell if these reactions are normal reactions to the adjustment or displays of dissatisfaction.

The happiness vs adjustment debate is difficult to resolve because experts estimate that over 40% of Alzheimer’s patients experience “significant” despair. Depression can manifest as prolonged sadness, a loss of interest in practically all activities, exhaustion and lethargy, a sense of worthlessness, and thoughts or talk of death.

Agitation is another typical reaction to the early transition into dementia care. There may be pacing, restlessness, straying, and emotional outbursts. Following a few simple strategies could assist minimize your loved one’s behavioral reactions to the move to dementia care. Some of them are:

• Establish a relaxing and soothing atmosphere.
• Avoid situations, loud noises, and triggers like television.
• Reduce complexity in routines and chores to reduce frustration.
• Encourage physical exercise.

You can help ease the transition of your senior loved one into dementia care and address any underlying illnesses that might be the main source of dissatisfaction by acting as a liaison between dementia care personnel, medical professionals, and your loved one.

Final Thoughts

How long the transition to dementia care will take cannot be predicted. Before the transfer, speak with your loved one’s doctor to address any underlying medical conditions including depression and mood disorders. Then, to make the transition easier, bring familiar items from home, offer loved ones a time to get to know dementia care staff without family visitors, and promote participation in community events.