1. Choose the Ideal Memory Care Community

Perhaps the most important step is choosing the best environment for your loved one. Every person is unique and has different preferences about what type of environment works well. When it comes to memory care communities, it's important to choose one that offers adequate support and security to keep your loved one safe.

Bethesda Gardens Thornton uses the BLOOM by Bethesda program to support your loved one's physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and social needs. Our residents receive 24-hour support and care in a secure environment with personalized attention. We're a faith-based community, which is ideal for residents who value their faith practices.

When choosing a community, consider which features are the most important to your family. Consider the values of the community to ensure they align with yours. Visiting the community to see it in person and observe the interactions between the caregivers and residents can help solidify the decision.

2. Create Your Moving Timeline

Once you choose your community and secure a room, you'll have a better idea of the move-in date. That will help you break down the tasks necessary to prepare for the move. Tasks to include on your moving timeline include:

• Securing moving services or a moving truck if necessary
• Selling your loved one's home or giving notice to the landlord
• Sorting through your loved one's belongings
• Moving items to long-term storage
• Selling, donating or throwing away other items
• Packing the belongings
• Completing a change of address
• Shutting off utilities
• Cleaning the home

3. Talk to Your Loved One

Discussing the move with your loved one helps them prepare. Give them the facts of the situation without overwhelming them with details. Let them know what to expect and allow them to express their feelings and concerns. You may need to remind them of the move several times or answer the same questions repeatedly. The transition is an emotional time for everyone, so practice being patient and calm during the conversations.

You might also seek help from professionals if your loved one has difficulty with the transition. A counselor with  experienced working with older adults, particularly those with dementia, can offer professional strategies and support.

4. Assess the Floor Plan

The floor plan of your loved one's memory care apartment will help guide your downsizing and packing process. Read up on the type of accommodations, what's included and the dimensions of the space. From there, you can create a plan for what you'll put in the room, such as a few personal furniture items and decor pieces.

5. Choose Furniture Pieces

Memory care communities often include basic furniture in the rooms, but you may also choose to bring some furniture. Your loved one might have a favorite chair that brings them comfort when they rock in it. Keep in mind the size of the space when choosing the furniture pieces. Check with the staff at the community if you're unsure about furniture options.

Once you know which furniture will go with your loved one, you need to decide what to do with the rest. Family heirloom furniture might go to other family members or be placed in storage. Selling or donating the leftover furniture is also an option.

6. Downsize Other Belongings

With the larger pieces out of the way, you're ready to downsize the rest of your loved one's belongings. They won't need to take much to memory care other than their clothes and health-related items. However, having some personal belongings will help make the new space feel like home. Consider what's important to your loved one and let them have input on what they want to take. Waiting until closer to the move-in date to pack will allow your loved one to continue using those items.

7. Set Up the New Space

Setting up the memory care apartment for your loved one will make the move less stressful for them. Consider your loved one's cognitive condition and their preferences to decide how to handle the process of setting up the room. They may want to help unpack and decide where their belongings go. For other new residents, it may be easier if you unpack and set up while they're out of the room. Either way, personalizing the room and making sure everything is ready for them to use helps with the transition. You might also log your loved one into streaming services and prepare other forms of entertainment.

8. Work With the Staff

The memory care community's staff is an essential resource. They can help you before, during and after your loved one starts living there. Ask questions beforehand to ensure you have everything ready to go and know what to expect. During the move, they'll help your loved one settle in and can provide support while you set up. Afterwards, they can also help you decide if you should visit right away or give your relative time to settle in.

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