Transition

Today I watched another lovely client adjust to "the move" from Independent Living to Assisted Living.  This is not the first time nor I am sure the last, but every time I observe this transition, I know that the journey has its up and downs, twists and turns and for all parties a bit of a roller coaster ride.  It also reminds me of the reason I chose to start this business - to be there for families when there are hard times and they ALL just need someone to share the load.

If you know this transition is in your future, here are some things to consider. 

• First of all, if dementia is a part of the equation expect a sharp decline and know that lots of time and energy will be spent answering the same questions over and over again. Where am I?  When am I going back to former location?  Where are my things - purse, wallet, etc.
• They will feel "lost or missing" from the life they have left and this new world just is more than they can handle.
• If possible take them to the new location several times prior to the move.  Yes, they will forget, but possibly something will look familiar when they come back to stay.
• Before you bring your loved one to their new home to stay, take things that are very familiar - from their past and set up their NEW place with these items that will ground them and help them feel connected.  Most care locations encourage residents to put something familiar outside their door to help them remember where their "Home" is located.  For each transition, take that item because they will be looking for it. 
• Make sure that the place you have selected for your loved one has a plan in place to help your family member adjust to this new Home.  ( walk them to meals, take them to activities, introduce them to neighbors - many times - find out a bit about them to help them feel welcome)  There should be someone on every shift for the first few days that makes a special connection and is there to answer questions, calm nerves and be the one who listens to find out what they REALLY need.
• Invite family and friends to stop by during the first few days to help repeat the tour of the New Home because each time the tour is completed something will be added to the list of things they remember. 
• Making new memories is a bit of a challenge, so spend lots of time talking about old furniture, pictures, memories and the past.  That is where those with trouble remembering things that happen today find comfort.
• Put a journal in plain site for visitors to leave messages for those who follow. Just a quick not telling about your visit helps family and friends stay in touch with what is going on and how they can help.

             Ex.  I visited Aunt Sue today and she seemed very sad.  I suggested we look
            at an album of photos and she perked right up.  It is amazing she knows every
            one's name.  I did notice that when I walked with her to lunch that she kept
            moving the walker to the right.  I mentioned it to the nurse on her floor.

• Remember ALL the senses are diminished especially taste so flowers or lotion in a scent your loved one likes is a great idea.
• Whenever possible, go OUTSIDE!  Of course safety is uppermost in making this decision but most locations have a garden area or just go out for a sandwich.  We have one client who LOVES Sonic drinks and we take her often.  We just sit and chat and drink our limeades and it makes her day.

I am sure there are many ideas YOU could share.  Please do so in our comments section.  We LOVE hearing what works from the experts - that is you.

We at Consider It Done are here to make transitions easier and can research different locations for you as well as pack and calm nervous loved ones.  Feel free to call us and . . .
                
                                                    Consider It Done!