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Tips for New Residents
Less is better! Many families and friends experience mixed emotions when moving a loved one in a Residential Community. Emotions may range from feelings of relief and security to guilt and fear. Some try to compensate by bringing many things into the resident’s new room. This is not always a good idea.
The Alzheimer’s Society suggests that you keep it simple.
- Avoid bringing pictures of family and loved ones as residents may become more confused or upset when they can’t place the faces or forget names.
- Do not choose busy floral and other prints for drapes and bed spreads. Solids lor mild patterns are best as they present less distraction.
- Do not bring too many decorations.
- It is very important to tell the new community about past hobbies, work, pets and about the parents and siblings of the new resident.
The first few weeks after you move in are a time of transition and getting established. It has been suggested that families wait a week or two for the new residents to become adjusted before visiting. It helps the resident to establish their regular daily routine and develop the security that comes from that routine.
A sound word of advice about parties. Don’t bring the resident to the party, bring the party to the resident! It can be disorienting for residents to leave and then come back to their community. It make take a few days to readjust after every trip away. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests you bring the party to the resident,. Here are some suggestions:
- Bring a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and have a small picnic in the courtyard.
- Arrange to have a root-beer float with your loved one, or with the whole community.
- Bring your well-behaved dog to visit. This will create a lot of interest!