3 Things That Can Help Your Loved One Transition to Memory Care

Author: Stacy's Helping Hand |

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Transitions are never really easy, but they can be especially difficult for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Everything in Tips for Visiting a Loved One After a Transition still applies, but with Alzheimer’s and dementia, the process can be more involved. Anxiety often runs high, so any tactics that involve fond, comforting memories will help. You just keep trying different approaches until something works. Sometimes you have to think a little bit outside of the box in order to achieve a good outcome. Here are a few things that have worked for our clients at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc to soothe people in memory care:

1. Baby Dolls for Women

To an outsider, giving baby dolls to elderly loved one might seem a bit strange, but the calming effect can be life changing. To those with dementia, the baby doll is real. The baby dolls provide a deep sense of calm and purpose over an extended period of time. When they show the baby to their other friends in memory care, many will feel similarly. Some memory care units even have baby stations.

While the baby doll approach isn’t limited to only women, men might respond to tools, stuffed animals, woodworking and other crafts. The theme here is that when facilities figure out what your loved one was interested in as children, they can help recreate aspects of those interests. You might have key insights that can lead to a breakthrough.

2. Music and Entertainment

Favorite games and TV shows can be great for your loved one, but their focus is fading. Forgetting moves in a game or the plot of a TV show can cause frustration. When other forms of entertainment fail, music can be a shortcut into positive emotions and memories. Figure out what they used to listen to and load a CD or iPod with their favorite tunes. The effect can be profound.

3. Snacks and Food

The fastest way to many of our hearts, at just about any time of our lives, is with food. If there is a food they like that had a strong flavor or smell, it might work even better. As we age, our sense of smell can fade, so food that is bright and familiar will make more of an impact.

If you would feel more comfortable talking to a Senior Transition expert to get answers to your questions, call our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc at 720-248-7758 .



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