The director of The Cottages offers advice for families with loved ones living with memory disorders.
Frisco, TX, March 13, 2017 – Making time to visit a loved one who has moved into a care home following a diagnosis of a memory disorder is important for enhancing the person’s well-being while providing personal peace of mind. While these visits can be emotionally trying at times, they may also help create treasured memories. The key to ensuring healthy, productive visits lies in understanding a few rules of the road before walking through the doors.
“When a loved one is living with a memory disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease, routine visits can be crucial for helping keep the person connected to family and friends for as long as possible,” says Trent Quinn, founder, president and CEO of The Cottages. “Regular visits can also be important for family members to give them the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved one is being monitored and well cared for. A few tips can help make coping with the ups and downs that may accompany visits a little easier.”
Whether a person is visiting a loved one for the very first time or visits will become a part of the daily or weekly routine, Quinn says it can be very helpful for family and friends to keep these points in mind:
- Understand the schedule – Care homes often have schedules they follow for good reasons. Scheduling can provide people living with memory disorders a sense of comfort that goes along with having a routine. Before visiting, it’s recommended that family and friends call ahead to get a feel for the schedule and the best times to visit.
- Know the loved one’s current status – People living with memory disorders often have their good days and bad. Calling ahead to get a status report before driving out can help loved ones avoid the emotional angst that may arise from visits when a loved one is having a bad day. Some loved ones, for example, may experience “sundowning” on a daily basis, making evening visits ill-advised.
- Be realistic – When a loved one is living with a memory disorder, some visits will be tremendously rewarding and others more emotionally trying. It’s important for friends and family to be cognizant of the ups and downs by taking the good moments as they come and not taking bad ones to heart. Limiting visit to short durations and making sure to meet in places that are quiet and free from distractions can also help set the stage for positive interactions.
“Family involvement after a loved one moves into a residential care setting is vital for resident well-being and family peace of mind,” says Quinn. “Maintaining realistic expectations during every visit can ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone.”
For more information about The Cottages and the services it provides, visit it online at Alzcottages.com.
About The Cottages
The Cottages is dedicated to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. The Cottage concept provides a home-like environment tailored to meet individual needs based on physical, mental and emotional needs. The Cottages offers all-inclusive pricing with no level of care charges and all care and services are included. The Cottages currently has locations in Frisco, Round Rock, League City and Amarillo, Texas. The Cottages has been operating in Texas since 1997 and is family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and The Cottages difference at www.alzcottages.com
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