Transitioning a loved one to memory care is a significant step for any family. At The Gardens on Quail, we strive to make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. This guide outlines how to prepare your loved one’s new living space, what to bring (and what to leave behind), and how to ensure a comforting move-in day experience.
Preparing the Living Environment
Creating a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment is crucial for your loved one's well-being. Here's how to achieve this:
- Limit Items: To avoid overwhelming your loved one, bring only essential and familiar items, especially important for those experiencing cognitive decline.
- Bedding Essentials: Please provide two moisture-proof mattress covers and two sets of sheets to facilitate cleanliness and comfort right from the start.
- Plant Care: While plants can enhance the living space, please remember that families are responsible for their maintenance. Avoid toxic varieties such as poinsettias, Calla Lilys, and Oleander.
- Personal Comfort Items: Items like favorite pillows, blankets, photos, and music players can make the space feel more like home.
- Minimal Furniture: To ensure your loved one can move around easily, furnish the apartment sparingly and thoughtfully.
What to Bring
Ensuring your loved one has everything they need without cluttering their space is a delicate balance. Here’s a checklist:
- Familiar Personal Items: Everyday items such as a preferred toothbrush or comb can provide comfort and familiarity.
- Appropriate Clothing: Opt for wash and wear clothing, labeled with your loved one’s name. Remember to include clothes for various weather conditions.
- Comfortable Footwear and Seasonal Clothing: Ensure your loved one has comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for all seasons.
- Memorabilia: Photo albums, scrapbooks, and memory boxes are encouraged to help maintain a connection to cherished memories.
- Apartment Identification: A distinctive wreath or door hanging can help your loved one recognize their apartment.
Items to Leave at Home
For the safety of all our residents, certain items should not be brought into the community:
- Hazardous Items: This includes sharp objects, weapons, and any product labeled as harmful.
- Valuables and Sensitive Information: To prevent loss, keep valuables and sensitive documents in a secure location outside of the community.
- Electrical Appliances and Alcohol: For safety reasons, items like heating pads, electric blankets, and alcoholic beverages (without a doctor's order) are not permitted.
Ensuring a Smooth Move-In Day
The day your loved one moves into The Gardens on Quail is important for setting the tone for their new life with us:
- Personalize the Space: Before your loved one arrives, set up their apartment with their personal items to make it feel welcoming.
- Timing: Aim for an early arrival to help your loved one settle during the quieter hours.
- Stay and Participate: Spend time together in the community on move-in day to help your loved one adjust. Engage in activities and share a meal in our private dining room.
- Follow-Up Visit: Plan a visit from family members the next day for additional support and reassurance.
- Communication: If your loved one feels anxious, reassure them of the staff's readiness to assist and support them at any time.
At The Gardens on Quail, we are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for all our residents. This guide is designed to help you prepare for a successful transition to our community, ensuring your loved one feels at home from the moment they arrive.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, our staff is here to support you every step of the way.
