Dear Donna:
My mom was diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease to be specific, about five years ago. Since that time, my dad, husband, and I have worked together to keep her at home. But I think it’s time to consider a move to a memory care community.
While we’ve been able to safely manage many of her behaviors these last few years, one we are struggling with is wandering. From a complex alarm system to GPS soles in her shoes, we’ve tried it all. My dad is exhausted from trying to keep an eye on her around the clock, as are my husband and I.
We try to set up a schedule to monitor her 24/7, but my husband and I both work full-time. With winter on the horizon, I’m nervous she will wander and become lost. As you know, winters here in Michigan can be brutal.
My dad is having a tough time accepting that it is time for a change. He thinks we should wait until spring.
Do you have any suggestions I can use to convince him that now is the time?
Sincerely,
Stephanie in Douglas, MI
Why Fall Can Be the Right Time for a Memory Care Transition
Dear Stephanie:
Thank you for asking us such an insightful question! Deciding to move a family member into memory care is never easy, and there’s rarely a “perfect” moment. But timing does matter, and autumn offers some practical advantages that make it worth considering.
- Avoid common safety concerns.
This one is at the top of the list for reasons you already mentioned. Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior among adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Secure memory care programs help alleviate those concerns.
- Enjoy milder weather during the move.
Moving day involves packing, transporting belongings, and helping a loved one adjust to a new physical space. Unlike the heat of summer and the ice and snow of winter, fall’s moderate temperatures make transportation and move-in logistics simpler and safer. This is especially important for older adults who may be sensitive to temperature extremes.
- Settle in before the holiday rush.
Moving right before or during the December holidays can be disorienting for someone with memory loss, who may already struggle with change. Settling into a new home in the fall gives a family member weeks to adjust to their new environment, routines, and caregivers before the emotional intensity of the holiday season arrives. This can make the first holiday in their new home feel more like a gathering than an upheaval.
- Ease into seasonal daylight changes.
Many people with dementia experience “sundowning,” increased confusion or agitation in the late afternoon and evening. Fall still offers reasonably long daylight hours in its early weeks, which can ease the adjustment period before the shorter, darker days of winter set in. Establishing a new routine while there’s still ample daylight can help staff and family reinforce a stable schedule sooner.
- Increase family availability and support.
Summer vacations and travel are behind you, and the holiday rush hasn’t yet begun. This lull often means adult children, grandchildren, and other relatives have more available time to help with the transition, visit frequently in the first few weeks, and attend care-planning meetings, all of which support a smoother adjustment.
- Allow time to adjust before winter.
Winter can bring isolation for seniors and families alike, with icy roads and shorter days limiting visits. Moving in the fall gives your family member time to build relationships with staff and other residents before winter reduces visit frequency. This is easier than adjusting to a brand-new environment during the most isolating months.
The Right Time Is Still a Personal Decision
Season is one factor among many, including safety concerns, caregiver capacity, and the individual’s specific needs. But when the decision is close, choosing fall can ease the practical and emotional weight of an already difficult transition.
If you’d like to learn more about specialized dementia care at Heritage, please call a location near you. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help!
Kind regards,
Donna