5 Tips: Make Moving Easier for Seniors with Memory Loss

If possible, try to discuss the situation openly prior to actually making the move.

1. Let seniors talk about good times in present location.
2. Encourage your loved one to think about life treasures that are near and dear to them.
3. Talk about distributing some of their things to family or friends who would love to receive them.
4. Allow your loved one to be angry or sad.
5. Listen, and listen again to stories or feelings concerning an upcoming change in their life.

Be positive with your senior loved one.

1. Tell them you will always care about them and be there for them.
2. Let them tell you stories as you actually pack things they have chosen to take with them.
3. Ask if there is something new they would like to have - i.e a new TV, lamp or chair.
4. List positive things about the next journey of their life.
5. Try to find a time where they are thinking more clearly.

Move them along with their life.

1. Take them to visit their new home prior to moving.
2. Take them to visit friends who've already made such life changes. [pick positive friends]
3. Ensure them that they will be able to take those special things with them.
4. Photos are important to jog memory - buy new frames or frame special pictures.
5. Include things that tell about their life so others can quickly "know" your loved one.

Do your homework prior to moving them.

1. If they'll be downsizing to a small apartment near you, make needed changes prior to their moving.
2. If they're moving into senior housing, learn rules and guidelines.
3. Visit a care center at various times of the day or week when they aren't expecting you.
4. If they'll be moving into assisted living, what cares will actually be given?
5. What happens when your loved one's health deteriorates?

It's not over yet.

1. Make certain they are comfortable after they've moved.
2. Listen assertively to complaints.
3. Bring treats for them and new friends if applicable. [This can include foods or cute little gifts.]
4. Follow through with true complaints. [Sometimes misunderstandings can be handled easily and quickly.]
5. Watch closely for any bodily or health changes in your loved one.

Health issues, disease or injury can cause people to have quick memory loss. If you must make quick decisions without the knowledge or assistance from your loved one, don't settle for second best.

Make sure your loved one gets the best care possible.

If you plan to move them close to you, do you actually have time to stop in and check on them? You must be aware that they will have good days and bad days.

This is true also if you must move them to a care center or wherever they will be.

Instead of letting them dwell on the loss of privacy in their home, try to move them along. Encourage them by telling them they will meet new friends and have new activities available every day.

Of course they may not remember what you've said and may have to be reminded daily or many, many times.

Once they're settled in their new home, let them have some time to themselves.

Learn to make your visits special for them. Do not make yourself constantly available. If you are at the care center every day, they probably won't become involved in activities that could actually help them. Being too accessible enables them to cry and make you feel badly.

Loss of memory is difficult for everyone involved. Try not to be angry when they don't remember something. Instead, kindly try to suggest or talk about things that will encourage connections to times past or something they must do tomorrow.

For example, they may not remember when you say that you will pick them up tomorrow morning to go to the doctor. But you mention it again as you leave and you write it down for them to look at. [if this is applicable]