Supporting Alzheimer’s Patients: A Compassionate Approach to Moving and Care
Alzheimer’s Day is an important reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families. At The Senior Move Partnership, we understand that moving to a care home or retirement community can be a daunting experience, especially for those living with Alzheimer’s. Our mission is to provide compassionate and personalised support during this transition, ensuring a smoother process for everyone involved.
A new home should feel like a safe haven, especially for someone with Alzheimer’s. This is why providing a dementia-friendly living space is paramount . This often involves decluttering to reduce confusion and improve safety, while also preserving key items that help keep memories alive.
The Emotional Impact of Moving for Alzheimer’s Patients and Their Families
Moving a loved one with Alzheimer’s is not just a physical process, but an emotional one as well. It can be a difficult time for families, filled with both practical concerns and emotional stress.
If you’re preparing to move a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to plan carefully to minimise stress. Here are a few tips we’ve found helpful:
Communicate Early and Often: Keep your loved one informed about the move, using simple, clear language.
Involve Familiar Items: Bringing along familiar furniture and cherished belongings can help ease the transition.
Create a Safe Space: Work with professionals to ensure the new environment is safe and dementia-friendly.
Create a Memory box: This helps to stimulate memories and encourages communication by including items that are meaningful to the person, as well as easy accessibility during the move .
How to support yourself during the Move
Supporting a loved one with Alzheimer's during a move can be emotionally and physically taxing, so it’s crucial to practice self-care. Acknowledge your feelings and don’t hesitate to seek help from others, whether through friends, family, or professional services like the Senior Move Partnership. Take breaks, stay organised, and focus on maintaining your health with proper rest, nutrition, and mental support. Set realistic expectations, connect with support groups, and consider using respite care to give yourself time to recharge. Remember, taking care of yourself ensures you can better care for your loved one.
How we can help
Our team is here to offer support every step of the way, providing not only practical moving services but also compassionate care and understanding. We’ve seen how a well-managed move can ease anxiety for both the patient and their family, and we’re committed to making that a reality for our clients.
Our Senior Move Managers are always ready to assist with these tasks, offering expertise and support to make the move as smooth as possible.
Contact us today on 0800 044 3904 to see how we can aid you.