The Time Has Finally Come! Communities are Re-Opening. What’s Next?

Your loved one needs care, and you’ve been patiently waiting for the world to reopen so you could feel confident in taking the next steps for that care. The time has finally come. Communities are opening their doors for in-person tours and residents are once again receiving in-person visits from their loved ones, as state guidelines allow. Here are some helpful tips to remember as you begin making decisions for your loved one’s care.

Things to Remember When Choosing a Memory Care Community

• At some communities, Memory Care is simply a group of rooms with locked doors. Your loved one is mostly likely to thrive in a community designed for those with dementia. It should feel like home where they move about freely and engage with their neighbors, both indoors and out, all within the safety and security of the larger community.
• Choose a community where your loved one has a voice in their own care. While they may struggle to do things on their own, it is important that their dignity remains intact and they can make decisions in their daily lives.
• Large spaces and complex technology can be confusing for those who have dementia. While technology can be a useful tool, the focus should remain on quality of care and the interactions witnessed with a professional and attentive care team.
• Proximity to your home is important, but it’s not the only factor. Choose a community that will give your loved one the independence and sense of purpose they need—and give you the peace of mind you need.

Preparing for the Move

• Understand the protocols: While we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, pandemic protocols are still a very big part of our world. Be sure you understand the community’s safety protocols as you plan for your loved one to move in.
• Prepare for visits and communication before the move: Be sure you understand how visits will work when your loved one becomes a resident. Prepare a list of phone numbers for your loved one to use, set up technology like tablets or phones and if needed, plan for your first in-person visits.
• Gather items that will make your loved one feel at home. Whether pictures, a blanket, or a special keepsake, bring familiar belongings you know will help ease the transition for your loved one.
• Get to know the associates at your community. Communicate with everyone—from the Executive Director to the Care Associates—who will be working directly with your loved one. Introduce the team to your loved one so they can start making connections, even if only by video at first.
• Find out what is happening at the community for the first week or so, and encourage your loved one to participate. Help Care Associates make connections between your loved one and the activity so they will be ready to get them involved.

Contact us to find out how Artis can help you on the journey through dementia.