Creating A Familiar Environment
If your parent has dementia and has difficulty interacting with new people, you can help them settle in by making the environment familiar. Visiting the community in advance of moving day will help ease the transition for both of you. You can also help them get to know the staff and participate in community events. The best time to visit is late morning or early afternoon because your parent will be less agitated.
If you're considering a new assisted living environment for your parent with dementia, take time to visit different facilities and spend time talking with current residents. Ask for their opinions about the facility, if it's safe for your parent and whether the facility has a designated area for people with dementia. You can also sit down with the staff and ask if there are any concerns you can raise. It's important to be patient with staff members as you may have to explain information several times. Once your parent feels comfortable in the facility, try to identify activities they enjoy and establish a satisfying routine.
Building A Team Of Caregivers
When considering moving your elderly parent into an assisted living Toronto, you need to think about the transition process. You must consider both the elder's needs and your own. Without help, you won't be able to provide the best care for your loved one and you may become overwhelmed and burn out.
It's important to start talking about the decision early and often. This includes granting a durable power of attorney to a trusted adult, allowing them to make important decisions for your parent. While most seniors with dementia would rather remain living in their own home, the risks increase as the disease progresses.
It's important to make your parent feel comfortable discussing the matter with you. It helps to involve someone they know, such as a doctor, nurse, or social worker. Your parent may also be more comfortable talking with someone they know from their younger years, such as a childhood friend. This may help your parent feel more comfortable discussing the symptoms of dementia.
Dealing With A Parent's Resistance To Assisted Living
There may be a variety of reasons why a parent may resist moving into an assisted living facility. Whether the senior feels overwhelmed or feels as if they're losing control, the key to overcoming this resistance is to keep a few key things in mind.
First, recognize that the older person may be hiding their concerns. It's important to make sure they know that you care about their well-being. However, try not to push the discussion. It may take months or even years for the elderly person to warm up to the idea of assisted living. Try to show that you understand their feelings by being compassionate, loving and respectful.
Another way to address the parent's resistance is by bringing a signed health care proxy to the parent's doctor. Ask the physician to assess the parent's condition. Often, there will be disagreements over the limits of the parent's health, so having a third-party opinion is critical to removing any potential arguments.
Finding A Community With A Built-In Network
If your parent has dementia, finding an assisted living community with a built in network is crucial. This will help you keep track of their daily activities and ensure that there's a system in place to handle emergencies. It will also provide them with the support they need. A family member or trusted friend can help them by assisting them with certain tasks, which can make the transition easier.
Talking To Your Parent
Before you put your parent in an assisted living, it is important to talk to them about the options. This will help you minimize tensions and disagreements about the transition. The conversations should be natural and not forced. The process may take several months or even years, but the more you listen to your parent, the more trust you will gain.
When talking to your parent with dementia, be sure to keep in mind that they might not recognize you. This can be upsetting and may lead to feelings of guilt or offence. You can respond by providing reassurance that you love your parent and distracting them with another topic. For example, you can talk about a favorite photo or memento. It may even be helpful to have someone sit with your parent during times of discomfort so you can listen to what they are feeling.
