You are familiar and are likely to have a calming effect. Frequent visits will help make the transition to an assisted living residence or nursing home care easier. Visiting is also important because it gives you the opportunity to get to know the facility staff and to help the staff get to know your relative. Visits also can help reassure you that your relative is getting the proper care. It is important that you stay involved in the resident's care.
Rituals can help ensure a smooth adjustment.
Creating a home-like atmosphere by personalizing his or her room with family photos, a favorite chair or a special blanket also can contribute to feeling secure. Because memories of earlier years remain accessible to persons with Alzheimer's disease much longer than events from the recent past, tapping the past can help create a familiar and safe situation in the present. As a caregiver, you are dealing with feelings, pressures, and concerns that leave you under a tremendous amount of stress. Although it seems impossible now, you must take time for your own needs in addition to the needs of your relative. Your local area agency on aging, primary care physician, or an assisted living or nursing home staff member can provide information on support group meetings in your area.