How To Avoid Transfer Trauma When Moving Seniors With Dementia
Transferring your loved one with dementia to a senior living center is a hard time for both you and the senior. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that your loved one could suffer from a condition known as transfer trauma. Avoiding it must be done at all costs to keep them happy in their new home.
What Is Transfer Trauma?
Transfer trauma occurs with seniors who have dementia when they find themselves in surroundings they don’t recognize. Those with dementia often struggle to keep track of where they are and need objects that stick out in their memory.
Failure to recognize these objects or to move them too quickly to their new place will cause them to have trauma or to panic in their absence.
Avoiding This Problem Requires Careful Planning
Start slowly moving items to their new senior living center. The idea is to start building up a comfortable and inviting area in their new room. When the time comes to move, tell them they are being moved to a new room, one that will have all their old items.
Take them to the room to visit it and let them spend time getting used to it. Building up strong memories in these rooms will help them make vital connections that can connect them emotionally to the room.
If you need help executing your plan (including planning a comforting musical or television-based zone for your loved ones) don’t hesitate to contact us today. We can give you the guidance you need to move your loved one to a comfortable and loving environment.
