How to Support Your Loved One During the Transition
It is no surprise that the transition into a memory care community is a big change and can be very challenging for the loved one and their support system. It is very common for the biggest person in the support system of an individual diagnosed with dementia to be their spouse or partner. Here are a few ways to help make the transition easy and successful.
Make a plan for the future together. Sit down with your partner and discuss what changes are to be expected. While it may be difficult, it is important to stay positive about the situation and know that this is going to be the best decision moving forward. The behavioral and psychological effects of an individual with dementia can easily change. Remain positive, talk about the future events to look forward to, reassure your partner, and allow them to help make the decisions.
Keep your partner informed on all decisions and changes. It is already scary enough to be straying away from a daily routine. In order to make the transition easier and to calm the anxiety that they may be experiencing, keep your partner in the loop at all times.
Support your spouse’s independence. While some decisions and activities may become out of reach for them as time passes by, it is important to give your partner the ability to make their own decisions. The smallest decisions like choosing what color shirt they want to wear or what they want to eat for breakfast can make the world of a difference in their lives.
Make time for quality time. Living with your partner for what seems like a lifetime to transitioning into a new building without them can put a restraint on a relationship. Create a visiting schedule, use words of affirmation, and continue to show all of the love that you can in order to create a sense of stability, peace, and comfort towards your partner.
If you have any questions or concerns about the transitioning process, feel free to reach out to our community by filling out the form on our website or giving us a call at (803) 356-7507.