Helping an Elderly Adult with Alzheimer’s Feel Involved in a Move

By Robert D. Liken CPC, CTS, President

January 3, 2018

Caregiver in Squirrel Hill PA: Alzheimer's And Moving
Caregiver in Squirrel Hill PA: Alzheimer’s And Moving

If your aging parent is living with Alzheimer’s disease, there may come a time in your care routine with them when it becomes obvious that moving is the best choice for their health, safety, and well-being. Whether you are moving them into a smaller, more accessible home or transitioning them into living in your home with you and your family, this can be an extremely beneficial change for everyone. For your senior with Alzheimer’s disease, however, the process can seem overwhelming and as though they are not a part of it. Finding ways for your parent to feel involved in this process is an important step in supporting your parent’s mental and emotional health, stimulating their mind, and reducing the risk of negative reactions and behaviors such as anxiety and acting out.
 
Some ways that you can help your parent with Alzheimer’s feel involved in a move include:
-Give them a drawer or box of small items and ask them to organize them. This can be particularly meaningful if your elderly adult had a career that involved organization or small, detailed tasks.
 
-Have them sit in a central location and be responsible for color coding packed boxes with pieces of colored tape or a marker.
 
-Make them responsible for simple packing tasks such as folding and packing towels or washcloths.
 
-Bring them to their new home and have them start unpacking items that are easy to put away, such as hanging clothing in the closet.
 
-Bring them to their new home and have them start with simple cleaning tasks such as wiping counters or mirrors so that they feel that they are establishing themselves in their new space.
 
How can senior care help?
Starting elderly care for your aging parent can be a fantastic way to enhance the care efforts you already give them and create a more fulfilling and engaged lifestyle as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging loved one on a fully customized schedule that will ensure they have continued, reliable access to the services that they need while also keeping you at the forefront of their care routine.
This means that they can manage their individual limitations and needs in the ways that are right for them while also encouraging them to pursue a lifestyle that is as active and independent as possible throughout their later years. These services can include transportation, assistance with personal care needs and activities of daily living, physical support and assistance, companionship, and more.
 

If you are considering hiring a caregiver in Squirrel Hill, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care.
Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551