Moving Mom to Memory Care - Questions

SiberianIris

Moving day is set for Wednesday. Mom's memory care room is pretty similar to her bedroom in her AL apartment, and the furniture could be arranged in a similar configuration.

The "story" we are using to get her into MC is that she is going to stay in "PT rehab" for a few weeks. She adores her AL apartment with "all her pretty things" and would never move from it voluntarily.

I would welcome opinions on the following:

1. Would it be better to set up the room exactly the same, or should I eliminate some items for space and simplicity? Her MC room is slightly smaller than her current bedroom.
2. Currently the drawers in her bureau and nightstands are jammed full. Should I leave them as is, or should I remove some items to simplify? Obviously I would leave the items I've recently seen her use.
3. If anyone can think of any items that are essential to have (or not have) in a MC room, please let me know!

Thanks so much!

sandwichone123

I would definitely simplify. Keep the overall feel, but remove extraneous items, either things she wouldn't need in the setting (I removed my dh's computer when he couldn't use it and his coffee maker when he moved), out of season (I would provide seasonal clothing changes and small decor items and take away the old). Whenever you bring something "new" take something away that she's not using.

ARIL

If you can set up major things in the same configuration, I’d do that. Especially the orientation of the bed in relation to the bathroom.

In MC, less is more. She will need to be able to move around easily, and she needs things that she uses. But fewer things to confuse: fewer decorations, fewer pictures, etc. I’d reduce the clutter in the drawers. Can you bring things to your house? Maybe trade things off seasonally?

My dad has gone from AL to MC to another MC, and we have shed furniture and decorations along the way. One of his favorite objects is a digital picture frame (which turns off at night); it effectively replaced many framed pictures. He also likes a quilt and a small wooden table; they go with us everywhere…

I would also note that knick-knacks (and other portable things) can go walking in MC, since some residents can lose track of which room is theirs and what stuff is theirs. So if there are objects that you couldn’t bear to lose, take them home with you.

psg712

Agree with all of the above. When my mom made the move from AL to MC, her new room was much smaller so simplifying was mandatory. The staff also advised that anything really important to her should be labeled with her name. That includes clothing - I have often visited to find her wearing a blouse that I have never seen before!

Grievingdaughter

My sister and I focused on bringing a bunch of family photos and a few stuffed animals. It is important for her to be able to move around, so I wouldn't overload the drawers. I would also keep track of what belongings you bring. My mother ended up with missing clothes, sneakers, etc. She rearranged the closet and the drawers. I wish you all the best. I can relate to how hard the process is.