How To Convince Dementia Patients To Move To Assisted Living?

assisted living for dementia patient

When your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, most families consider moving the patient to an assisted living facility. The reason behind this is quite simple. Dementia affects a patient’s memory, judgement, behaviour, and daily functioning. Soon, there comes a time when home care is no longer beneficial. However, convincing the dementia patient to move to the assisted living facility is not an easy task. They refuse to do so multiple times. So let’s talk about some practical tips to convince the dementia patient to move to assisted living.

Why Dementia Patients Don't Want To Move To Assisted Living?

People suffering from dementia often refuse to move to assisted living because of memory loss, confusion, emotional attachment to home, fear of losing independence, wrong understanding of assisted living, and anxiety.

When Should You Move Your Patient To Assisted Living?

It has been observed that families often delay the move to assisted living because they feel that things will improve. But we must always keep in mind that dementia is a progressive disease. It progresses with time. If you see the following symptoms in your patient, consider moving him to assisted living, provided by Star Capital:

  • The patient wanders here and there aimlessly,
  • The patient forgets hygiene, medications, and meals, 
  • The patient shows aggression, confusion, or agitation,
  • The patient falls accidentally at home.
  • The patient has unsafe behaviours like opening the door at night, leaving the stove on, etc.
  • The present is unable to manage the daily activities of his life.

Assisted Living for Dementia Patient​: Tips To Convince The Patient To Move

assisted living with dementia

Communicate With The Patient Politely

Communicate with your patient and try to make him understand why he needs to move to assisted living. Avoid complicated explanations as far as possible. Use simple language to convince him to move to assisted living as early as possible. 

Seek Help From A Doctor

You must always keep in mind that patients trust medical professionals when it comes to ailments and are always ready to follow their instructions. When a doctor tells a patient that he needs to move to assisted living for better care, it can resolve the conflict. The patient may easily become ready to move to assisted living. 

Highlight The Benefits Of Assisted Living

You should explain the benefits of assisted living to dementia patients. Explain facilities like the presence of fellow patients, professional caregivers, personalized care from experts, comfort, safety, etc. It creates a positive perception of assisted living in a patient’s mind. He may become ready to move to assisted living immediately. At Star Capital, we care about all dementia patients. In our assisted living facilities, our care staff help them in everyday activities. It improves their health and living standards. 

Don’t Argue With A Dementia Patient

Remember that dementia affects the reasoning ability of patients. Arguing with them increases their anger and confusion. If the patient denies moving to assisted living for any reason, wait for the right time when his mood is good and ask the question again. It might work. 

Move To Assisted Living At The Right Time

We must always keep in mind that people suffering from dementia experience confusion in the morning, agitation after meals, etc. Therefore, you should take them to assisted living when their mood is usually calm. 

Take Help From Trusted People

Does the dementia patient have a close friend, favourite child, family doctor, etc? If yes, then you should invite that person in the relocation process. Ask them to make the patient agree to the relocation. 

Create A family-like Environment In The New Room

Missing the family environment is one of the main reasons why most dementia patients refuse to move to assisted living. So you should create a family-like environment in the new room to make the patient feel relaxed. Feel free to bring their favorite blanket, family photos, pillows, family clock, etc, from home. This will help them feel associated with the new environment and quickly accommodate fellow roommates.

Stay With The Patient For The First Few Days

Most patients find it very difficult to adjust to the new environment of assisted living, regardless of the facilities available. That is why one of your family members should live with him for a few days. It will help the patient to adjust to the new environment and start living alone with other patients independently. 

How Does Star Capital Help Dementia Patients?

Star Capital is always ahead in helping dementia patients. 

  • We have a team of well-trained caregivers. Our staff has a better understanding of memory issues, behavioral changes, cognitive decline, safety management, etc. 
  • We don’t miss any medicine for the patient.
  • As per the physical and mental condition of the patient, we design a structured daily routine for him. It helps to reduce anxiety and restlessness among dementia patients. 
  • Many dementia patients forget to take meals and drink water at the right time. Our staff pay attention to this and prevent malnutrition or dehydration.
  • From time to time, we organize group activities. It reduces loneliness and depression among dementia patients. 
  • Our staff regularly supervise all activities of dementia patients and prevent them from doing anything weird. 

Conclusion

It’s always challenging to convince a dementia patient to move to an assisted living facility. But it is essential for their safety and good health. By following the above-mentioned practices, you can make the transition easier and comfortable for both the patient and the family. At Star Capital, we offer assisted living facilities for dementia​ patients. Get in touch with us today and ensure better care for your patient with our help.

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