Sometimes, it does not benefit a senior’s emotional or physical health to remain in their home. If they are not mobile or have physical ailments that make it dangerous for them to stay in the home or if they are unable to care for themselves, it might be time to look into a retirement community. Diane with Memories Bi-Design suggests, “Shadow boxes are a great idea for seniors leaving their home for an independent or assist living community so they can put treasured items and trinkets into one compact space so that they will have them to show family. It’s also a perfect compact way to take special memories of a spouse that has passed.”
Lisa Arp with SilverRidge says, “Our assisted living community is equipped with everything a senior would need. They can live with us without being on a level of care or they can have levels of care that will take care of their most difficult tasks of everyday living. From an emotional perspective, it is peace of mind that they are living in a safe, secure environment, yet they are still remaining as independent as possible. Their social needs are met with interactions throughout the day with other residents and staff whether it be during an activity or lunch or entertainment.”
If your loved one is resistant to moving to a retirement community, you need to be the voice of reason. “Be honest, let them know your concerns,” suggests Arp. “Be understanding yet firm. If you are the Power of Attorney, there is a reason you are. They chose you to take care of them in their time of need. Also, get help from their doctor, attorney or even a priest or pastor as they can sometimes get through to them that they need help. Finally, reach out to the retirement community and arrange a visit for them so they can learn about the community in a non-threatening, educational manner. Have them meet the other folks living there. Retirement communities have changed tremendously and your loved one may not have realized this.”
Memory Care Issues
Moving a senior, especially one with memory or dementia issues, can be very frightening for them. Lori Simon with Edgewood Vista says, “We encourage the family to bring in personal belongings, such as family photos, a favorite quilt for their bed, even their own bed if possible. Familiar objects will trigger positive memories for them. A person with dementia needs a calm, reassuring, low-stimulus atmosphere. Seeing the same few faces every day brings anxiety levels down. Bright lighting, background noise or stairs can cause confusion and stress to the senior with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. Our building was specifically built to cater to the needs of people with dementia.”
She goes on to say, “If you are the caregiver for a loved one with dementia, you should keep in mind some common issues. It is not unusual for those with dementia to be awake for much of the night and sleep off and on during the day hours, which can be stressful to you. Meals are another issue. They want food that is familiar to them and there usually comes a time when utensils are foreign to them, which is when we introduce finger foods. Since pacing and wondering are common dementia traits, finger food allows that person to ‘eat on the run’ and still get the nutrition they need. The caregiver needs to maintain their own mental and physical balance, which is why in addition to residential care, we offer 24-hour Adult Day Care and a Short Stay Program that will allow the one who cares for their loved one with dementia that much needed break to rest and recharge.”
“Individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia often need visual cues to help spark a memory,” says Diane with Memories Bi-Design. “By having a ‘memory box’ made out of a shadow box with some of their most personal items from the past, they will think and speak about the special moments from their past. Once their care level has gone beyond being able to verbally express themselves, the memory box will let others know who they are and what is special to them and give them something to visit with them about. After the loved one passes, the memory box truly becomes a treasure that can be passed down through generations.”
Caring for a loved one who has health issues can be a very difficult and trying experience. However, by working with professionals and helping them make the very best living decisions, you can know that you’re doing your best to help your loved one make the transition to a happy, healthy retirement.