Alzheimer’s disease progresses at different rates. Some people can continue to live on their own for years while other people need to move in with a caregiver within a few months of diagnosis. There may even come a time when moving them into a facility that deals with memory care, such as https://www.
However, moving this relative into a caregiver’s home is going to have its challenges, even in the best scenarios. Here are a few steps to follow to ensure a smooth transition.
Table of Contents
Create a smooth transition from one place to another.
Living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be scary, as it’s easy to get confused and forget where you are. This is frustrating enough when you are living in your own home, but the confusion can increase even more when moving to a new place.
Even before the look into rental moving trucks to move a patient into a caregiver’s house, start moving familiar items from one home to the next. This could be a blanket that has been with the family for decades or a favorite wooden spoon that the patient loves to cook with. You may be tempted to use the moving process as an opportunity to declutter, but that could mean accidentally throwing away key memory touchpoints. It may be better to do a slow move over time instead of suddenly transferring a patient from one house to the next.
Approach the move with positive energy and emotions.
Moving is stressful, whether you are a teenager entering a dorm or an older adult leaving for a new home. It’s understandable that you will get frustrated as you go through the whole process of finding rental truck companies, storage options, and logistics planning. Even sorting through personal property can take longer than expected, as it’s easy to accumulate a lot of stuff over the years. However, try to hide your frustration and exhaustion from your family member with Alzheimer’s disease. A positive attitude can help your relative feel safe and secure during the move. If you easily get frustrated or argue with them, they are more likely to shut down emotionally. You can also create opportunities for a smooth transition by moving during the best time of day for your relative.
Practice sharing verbal affirmations during this time. Tell them how happy you are to spend more time with them. Say how you love them and are eager to make sure they are well looked after. Your relative can hold on to these thoughts during the move.
Find resources for both of you.
While you are likely working to find a doctor for your relative and therapeutic programs they could benefit from, remember that you need care, too. Caregiver burnout is a real issue, and there are times when you will feel exhausted or overwhelmed by your relative.
The Alzheimer’s foundation has multiple resources for patients and caregivers. They can help you find support groups in your area to connect with other families who are affected by similar forms of dementia. You may even want to look into personal counseling or family therapy to help with this transition. The right support services can help you and your family members fight the loneliness of illness and care.
Alzheimer’s disease can affect the whole family, not just the relative who lives with dementia. By planning a move carefully and establishing programs for the whole family, you can take steps to help your relative adjust to their new home. You can have someone to turn to when you need help, which can prevent burnout and make you feel less alone.
