Moving a Senior with Dementia
Moving a senior with dementia is difficult for both the caregiver as well as the senior. Day to day tasks can be complicated for a senior with dementia; adding a senior move into an already difficult situation can be quite taxing for all involved in the move.
Photo Credit | Deposit Photos | @ obencem
Below are great tips to take into consideration when helping your parent (friend/relative) move.
The decision making process. Involve your parent in the process – openly and clearly communicate the process to the senior. If the senior is not involved in the process, they are likely to become agitated and suspicious. Keep in mind not to overwhelm them by involving them too much in the process because that will also cause an increase in stress.
Provide the senior with choices. If you have narrowed down the search for the appropriate living arrangements and there are two location to choose from– let them make the final decision. The goal is to allow the senior to feel somewhat in control of their situation; which will also help decrease the stressors of moving.
Pick the appropriate time to move. As you know, seniors suffering from dementia have their ups and downs; which means making finding a time in they are most stable to make a move is top priority. It is best not to try to move when the senior has become agitated and confused – find a time when they are relaxed and more coherent.
Choose a moving company who specializes in moving seniors. Moving a senior with dementia takes patience and compassion. A company with specialty moving and shipping services related to senior specifically is necessary for a smooth transition for the elderly individual. Make sure to choose a company who can provide utmost care while moving a senior.
Keep in mind their habits and rituals. If there are specific times they enjoy for walks, or sitting outside, this may be the best time for you to move their items out of their current home. Make sure to speak with them about what is happening and what to expect – again do not surprise them. It is also a good idea to have someone take them out for the day – to lunch, a movie, whatever it is they like to do. Seniors suffering from dementia shouldn’t be directly involved in the moving process as this could be very confusing and upsetting to them.
Make sure their new home is ready prior to their return. A new home can be quite overwhelming for a senior with dementia; it is important to make sure when the senior is introduced into their new environment that they are able to recognize key items such as furniture and other familiar belongings that will help them become acclimated with as little stress as possible.
*Tip – Familiar objects may be their favorite chair, a blanket or a pillow, a picture book, night stand.
Encourage the senior’s move is one of the best ways to help them feel welcome, safe and secure. If possible, have a relative or a close friend stay a couple days with the senior to make sure they are well adapted to their new environment.
Moving a senior with dementia can be tedious; which is why you should leave the moving and organizing to Moves for Seniors. Whether it’s moving your parents or moving your elderly friend, you’re in good hands. Give us a call at (800) 227-0515 or click here for a free consultation.