Downsizing personal belongings is one of the big tasks that must be done when you’re moving your loved one into a memory care facility in Austin. For many families and individuals living with dementia, this process can be overwhelming. Many seniors have entire rooms filled with belongings they’ve accumulated throughout their lives, and they are often reluctant to let them go. From furniture, to wall hangings and memorabilia, dementia care homes in Austin will not usually be able to accommodate all the belongings a resident may have kept in his home. If you’re having trouble deciding what should stay and what should go before moving your loved one into dementia assisted living in Austin, consider these tips. Start with the Least Sentimental Items You’ll usually be able to tell which items your loved one holds near and dear, and which are just taking up space. To make the process easier, save the sentimental items for last. Moving to a memory care facility in Austin is already a significant change. If you start with what’s least important, your loved one will already be used to letting things go by the time you get to the items that hold an emotional connection. Don’t Let Your Emotions Get in the Way As you’re going through your loved one’s belongings, you might feel some attachment to items that have been around since you were young. However try to process your emotions at a time when you are away from your loved one, as this can make the downsizing process more difficult for your relative moving to one of the dementia care homes in...
If your loved one has been afflicted with a memory-related disorder such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may be considering moving them into a local facility that offers assisted living for dementia residents. Throughout Texas, there are many dementia assisted living facilities, and not all of them offer the same level of care. When choosing the right facility near you, as these questions: Are the staff well-trained and compassionate? Is care given on an individualized basis? Can residents socialize and participate in planned activities in the facility? When you consider these factors, you’ll be able to choose the right Alzheimer’s assisted living facility more easily. Staff Experience and Demeanor It’s always best to choose a facility that employs well-educated, experienced and compassionate staff members. Working in the field of assisted living for dementia residents is no easy task, and it’s important to know that your loved one will be well-cared for and happy after moving in. The right dementia assisted living facility will: Employ certified caregivers and licensed nurses. Have a good staff-to-resident ratio at all times. Work only with kind and compassionate staff, from receptionists to nurses. Individualized Care Memory disorders affect everyone differently, and it’s vital that you choose an Alzheimer’s assisted living facility that reflects this. Whether your loved one is just at the beginning stages of this disorder or has progressed to the late stages, you want to go with a facility that offers the right level of care for each resident. Opportunities for Socialization and Activity Mentally stimulating activities and frequent socialization are both essential for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Make sure to choose...
Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s can be difficult and at some point, it may become necessary to move them into a memory care facility in Austin. If you’re wondering if it’s time to move your loved one into an Alzheimer’s assisted living facility, here are some of the signs to look for. They are experiencing mobility issues. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people tend to have issues moving around and completing tasks like bathing, dressing or going to the bathroom. Your loved one may also experience a fall or other injury with no one else around, which can be life-threatening. They have been wandering or getting lost. Issues with wandering is one of the biggest reasons family members choose to move their relatives into Alzheimer’s care in Austin. There’s no way to prevent wandering, but in an Alzheimer’s assisted living facility, residents can wander around under the supervision of caregivers in a secured environment. The disease is progressing. People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s can live relatively normal lives, but this changes as the disease progresses. Eventually, it may become impossible for individuals to live alone. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider moving your loved one into a memory care facility in Austin: Moodiness Severe confusion or lapses in memory Behavioral or personality changes Loss of bladder or bowel control Other factors to consider Assisted living facilities can be wonderful for both residents and their family members. Caregiver burnout is very real, and a family member can only perform home care for so long before the physical and...
After years of watching your loved one’s memory fail and their cognitive functioning decline, you may feel a move to a memory care home is necessary but may be unwelcomed. Make sure that, when you initiate this vital transition, you have done your best to ensure a smooth move. Here are a few general tips to help. Having a Conversation with your Loved One As you prepare to discuss the transition into a memory care facility with your loved one, keep in mind that they will likely be upset about the decision, no matter how it’s presented. Patiently listen to their concerns. By validating their emotions, you will show them that you still love them and desire what is best for them. Select a Facility Together, But Plan the Move on Your Own Research the best dementia care homes that are both available and affordable. Look for a memory care home that offers all-inclusive pricing to make budgeting easier with no hidden costs. Invite your loved one to attend events at each home with you. Most dementia care homes offer enrichment activities and would accommodate the visit of a prospective resident. Although you’ve included your loved one in selecting a new home, don’t share all the logistical details, such as items to bring or the date of the move. Dementia can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, especially in anticipation of a life transition. Establish Good Rapport with the Home Proactively engage with the staff at the home of choice. Visit the facility often, including before the move and brief the staff on information about your loved one that will help...
As your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease progresses and their memory fades, they will be susceptible to feelings of isolation, loneliness and confusion. Coordinate with their care home and keep in contact as much as possible. Here are a few tips to help you maintain connection with your loved one living in a memory care facility. Make Each Visit Smart and Effective Your loved one may be losing their memory, but they haven’t lost the human desire for connection. An in-person visit can wonderfully uplift their spirits, even if they don’t remember the details. Here are some strategies for ensuring a successful visit: Plan for a time of day when your loved one is at their best. Don’t overwhelm your loved one with too many people at once; visit in pairs at most. Minimize distractions and mute the television or other noises when you arrive. Visit Virtually Perhaps the best Alzheimer care home in Texas is too far away from where you live, and you are unable to visit often. Alternatively, you may be restricted from seeing your loved one at the risk of spreading infection. When an in-person visit is impossible, try the following methods: Call them over video chat, such as FaceTime or Zoom. Send them a postcard or care package. Share music files or audiobooks – or recordings of yourself! With each of these examples, your loved one will rely on staff to receive your correspondence. Give the care home staff enough notice of your method so that they can provide the assistance necessary for its success. Do It for Them, Not for You You placed your...
While each of us have experienced sleepless nights, we have the capabilities to overcome these struggles. Loved ones living with a memory disorder often have anxiety around this subject as they often forget what makes them comfortable.Here are a few tips to create a peaceful environment for your loved one and how you can help them overcome that anxious feeling. Look at the lighting in the room Are the lights too bright? Is there too little lighting? There should be a balance of light so that your loved one can safely get up in the night as needed, without making it so bright that sleep is hard to come by. If your loved one often wakes in the middle of the night, have a small dresser lamp available. By keeping the rest of the room dark, the brain understands that it is still nighttime and programs the body for sleeping. If the room has windows, try using blackout curtains, which are made to keep the light out and allow for privacy. Give them a “hug” Naturally, as humans, we respond to touch, especially when we feel nervous or anxious. Loved ones living with a memory disorder have this feeling almost nightly. Try using a weighted blanket. These blankets use pressure therapy to induce a calming effect. By having the same amount of weighted pressure placed on each part of the body, the brain can calm down and prepare for sleep. Also, make sure your loved one’s pillows are comfortable and not causing soreness, which may keep them up at night. Encourage a snack or warm drink Family members who...
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