Transitioning a loved one into a memory care facility can be one of the most difficult decisions a family ever faces. The move is often fraught with anxiety, both for the individual with dementia and for the family members who have been providing care. It’s natural for families to worry about how their loved one will adjust to the new environment—especially if they’ve never been in long-term care before.
Some common concerns include:
- Exit-seeking behaviors (trying to leave the facility if they become confused)
- Resistance to care, like refusing to shower or engage in necessary daily activities
- Separation anxiety, as the resident may have become dependent on a family member for all their care and comfort
At The Sanctuary, we understand these concerns, and we are committed to making the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s how we help new residents with dementia adjust to their new home:
Creating a Personalized Care Plan for Comfort and Familiarity
One of the first things we do when a new resident arrives is to work closely with their family to gather detailed information about their likes, dislikes, routines, and preferences. We want to know what foods they love, which TV shows they enjoy, what hobbies they have, and what comforts them most. This allows us to tailor their experience in a way that feels familiar and comforting, which is crucial during the early days of their transition.
For example, if a resident has a favorite snack or enjoys reading a particular newspaper, we ensure that those items are readily available to them. Familiar tastes, smells, and activities can provide comfort and act as a soothing distraction, especially if the resident is experiencing confusion or anxiety about the move. This approach can help to alleviate the anxiety associated with change and help residents feel a sense of continuity, even in a new environment.
Highly Trained, Consistent Caregivers Who Build Trust
At The Sanctuary, we know that trust is essential in dementia care. Many residents have been relying on family members for all their care for months or even years, and the thought of that bond being disrupted can be a source of great concern. Our goal is to foster a new bond between the resident and our caregivers, who are highly trained in dementia care and are skilled at building relationships based on trust, empathy, and respect.
Unlike large facilities that may rely on temporary staffing agencies, where unfamiliar faces come and go, our caregivers are full-time employees who stay with our residents over the long term. With a small, dedicated staff that remains consistent, residents begin to feel comfortable with the same caregivers every day, helping them form strong bonds that reduce feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
Addressing Exit-Seeking Behaviors and Resistance to Care
It’s common for individuals with dementia to display exit-seeking behaviors, such as trying to leave the building, especially in the early stages of their transition. Our caregivers are trained to redirect these behaviors in a calm and reassuring way. For example, if a resident is attempting to exit the building, we might engage them in one of their favorite activities—whether it’s a game, a snack, or watching a favorite TV show—to gently distract them and ease their anxiety.
We also take a patient approach when a resident resists care, such as showering or eating. In these situations, we take the time to understand the resident’s individual preferences. Sometimes it’s as simple as offering a shower at a different time of day, or providing extra reassurance while assisting with personal care. Our caregivers know that patience and consistency are key to helping residents feel safe and secure in their new home.
Providing a Warm, Home-like Atmosphere
One of the biggest advantages of choosing The Sanctuary over a larger institutional facility is our home-like environment. Dementia patients can become disoriented or overwhelmed in large, unfamiliar settings with long hallways, multiple floors, and crowded dining rooms. Our smaller, boutique facility is designed to feel intuitive and familiar, much like a traditional home.
There are no confusing hallways or crowded common areas to navigate. Instead, we create spaces where our residents can feel at ease. Each home is cozy and warm, with plenty of natural light and comfortable, familiar touches. Residents can easily find their way around, which reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of security. The atmosphere at The Sanctuary is calm and inviting, and we’ve found that this helps ease the transition for both residents and families.
Spending Extra Time with New Residents During the Transition
We understand that the first few days in a new environment can be difficult, which is why we make an extra effort to shower new residents with attention. Whether it’s extra time spent talking to them, introducing them to new activities, or simply sitting with them until they feel comfortable, we’re committed to making them feel welcome. In fact, our Activity Director and other members of our management team often spend extra time with new residents during their initial adjustment period.
This approach helps establish a bond of trust and reassures the resident that they are in good hands. Families are often pleasantly surprised by how quickly their loved one begins to acclimate and feel at home.
Encouraging Family Involvement and Creating a Smooth Transition
While we understand that families may want to stay close during the transition, we have found that giving residents some space from their loved ones during the first week can actually help them adjust more quickly. By staying away for a short period of time, families allow residents to bond with our caregivers and feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Of course, this is always a conversation we have with each family, and the decision is entirely up to them. For some residents, having a family member nearby can be helpful, but for others, a short period of separation can allow them to form new connections and settle into their new routine without the emotional pull of seeing their family members every day.
Establishing Familiar Routines
We also believe that sticking to a familiar routine helps residents feel more comfortable and settled. If a resident is used to having breakfast at 7 a.m. or prefers a specific bedtime, we accommodate these preferences as much as possible. The more we can keep their routine consistent, the more comfortable they will feel in their new environment.
A Smooth and Supportive Transition
At The Sanctuary, we understand that moving a loved one into memory care is a major life change—both for the resident and for their family. That’s why we take a highly personalized, empathetic approach to help ease the transition. From creating a familiar and comforting environment to providing consistent, highly trained caregivers, we make sure that every resident feels safe, supported, and at home.
Families can rest assured knowing that their loved ones are in good hands and that we’ll work together to help them adjust to their new home. If you’re considering memory care for a loved one, we invite you to reach out and see how The Sanctuary can provide the compassionate, personalized care that your family deserves.
