When your parents move to memory care, it can be an emotional time for both of you. You might feel relieved that they are getting specialized care, but it’s also natural to worry about how your relationship will change. Will they feel abandoned? How can you stay connected?
The good news is that memory care communities welcome family involvement. They provide opportunities to keep a close bond and stay involved after your parent moves to memory care.
5 Ways to Stay Involved When Your Parent Is in Memory Care
Visit Regularly and Be Present
You will stay more connected to your parent when you visit regularly. Your presence brings love and comfort, even with memory loss. A consistent schedule also helps reduce their loneliness by telling them when to expect you.
During your visits:
- Do simple activities together, like looking at old photos or listening to favorite songs.
- Pay attention to how they feel—some days, they may want to talk, while others, they might enjoy silence.
- Be patient and focus on having quality time together instead of how long you visit.
Participate in Community Events
Memory care communities host family-friendly events like holiday celebrations, music performances, and craft activities. You can create positive experiences with your parents at these events and connect with staff and other families.
Ask the community about:
- Family days or themed gatherings.
- Opportunities to join group activities like gardening or art classes.
- Special programs promote memory stimulation and social engagement.
Stay Connected in Creative Ways
If you live far away or can’t visit as often as you’d like, there are still ways to maintain a strong connection.
Consider these ideas:
- Send Letters or Care Packages – Personal notes, family photos, and small treats can brighten your parent’s day.
- Video Calls – Many memory care communities can assist with video calls, allowing you to share virtual face-to-face time.
- Customized Playlists – Create a playlist of familiar songs to bring comfort and spark memories.
Build Relationships with the Care Team
Knowing the caregivers and staff familiarizes you with your parent’s daily life. Regularly talking with the team allows you to support your parent’s needs and stay updated on how your parent is doing.
Ways to stay connected include:
- Attending care meetings to discuss your parent’s health and personalized care plan.
- Sharing stories or preferences that can help staff provide more customized care.
- Ask about changes in behavior or health so you can address concerns promptly.
Embrace Each Stage with Love and Patience
Memory loss can change how your parents interact with you. However, your love and involvement are still important. They might not remember everything, but they can still feel warmth and connection with you.
Discover how The Mountain Side of Warm Springs fosters purpose and independence for our residents while providing personalized senior care. Explore our customized senior services to see how we support a fulfilling, enjoyable life. Are you interested in learning about living at The Mountain Side? Learn more about our comfortable, thoughtfully designed suites.
We’d love to show you around—schedule a visit to Mountain Side today.
