How do we prepare for the inevitable transition of mom to Memory Care Facility?

I think your expectations are realistic. That should help a little bit -- no surprises.

It sometimes helps a little to have familiar things already moved into her room before she arrives. Photos and keepsakes and good. Also, this is not the time to get a lovely new comforter or chair or lamp. To the extent possible bring things from her home that will be familiar to her. Obviously this isn't going to eliminate all discomfort with change, but it may help some.

Does her boyfriend drive? Is the place you have in mind close enough so that he can be there often? If he can be convinced to not bring up topics that will upset her, that might also be a great comfort to her.

Her dementia cannot be cured but her symptoms may improve some once she is getting her medications on time, eating regularly, kept dry and clean, etc That will make all this anxiety worthwhile.

It would be ideal if her boyfriend could be on board with this, to help with the transition. I hope the lawyer can convince him that separating their finances is for his benefit, to protect him from Medicaid insisting that all the joint assets are Mothers. And that the move is not to separate them and that he can spend as much time with her as he wants, but he just won't need to do the hands-on tasks.

It used to bother my sisters and I when our mom mentioned going home. "Well, if you are leaving now, how am I going to get home?" But it gradually dawned on us that she accepted the nursing home as her home more quickly than we expected. She was only confused about how she was going to get to her room! Then our answer became "Mom, all the helpers here know exactly where you live and anyone who is handy will push your wheelchair back to your room when you are done here."

Yes, the transition will be hard on everyone. But you might be surprised at how quickly your mother may settle in.-

BLarkin, my gosh your Mom and her boyfriend are still young to be going through this. Yes, you are correct, your Mom does need a higher level of care, but I bet the boyfriend is afraid to let her move and not be there 24/7 after 20+ years.

Maybe in the back of his mind he will be relieved as he must be so exhausted. You mentioned he would say "I got it"... reminds me of my Dad saying "we will manage" when I knew they needed to get out of that house, a lot of stairs and being 90+ years old does not mix well.

Try explaining to boyfriend that your Mom will probably feel a lot better living in Memory Care, and wouldn't he want her to live each day to the fullest? If boyfriend has money, maybe he can move to Independent Living in the same complex, that way he can stay with her during the day, or even overnight depending if that is allowed.

Try to set up Mom's bedroom at Assisted Living the same as she has at home. I did that for my Dad, so when he awoke in the middle of the night, he saw his highboy dresser to the left of his bed, where it has been in his previous house.

Thank You for your responses.
The unfortunate thing about taking items such as furniture & bed comforter and other things of Hers to a Facility, is that they have been & are heavy smokers, and anything in that house is grossly permiated with nicotine & smells to high heaven when removed from the house. Even when taking some mail from their house to mine which may have only been there a day or two, I smell it once it's at my home.
I have thought about these things on wanting I be sure Her things are there for comfort & familiarity, but see it as impossible.
Her smoking is not an issue, as the only reason She really is even still smoking, is because HE hands Her cigarettes when HE thinks She might want one!
This action frustrate the life out of me!!
He is a VERY routine driven man, and She has become his puppet in his routine. It's terrible, and Very unhealthy for my Mother. (not just the smoking)
She is so sweet & child like, I feel that She will adapt well, and quickly as well, as She will enjoy the activities they will have in the facility, because She like to try new things so that She can impress those who are watching & assisting Her. She is always conscious of & asks; "Did I do good today? I did good today, didn't I?" God I'm crying while I'm writing that... I feel SO bad for Her, I cannot imagine what's going thru Her mind during all this change in Her mental capabilities. :(

You will need to get Guardianship with a court order to move her. I think he may be impaired as well, but that's his family's responsibility.

BLarkin, my sister works at a memory care facility. Do not worry about furniture or much in the way of decorations, especially nice things. Depending on what type unit she's placed, she won't need much. Nice things might "disappear" even though the facility might be very nice. Save yourself a lot of worry this way by talking to folks in charge. My sister's biggest pet peeve is about how relatives want to bring mom or dad's favorite radio, pictures in nicer frames, jewelry, tons of clothes, etc. Those things, as I said, might disappear. Even eyeglasses and dentures, believe it or not. The other day, she had to be insistent with a daughter who wanted to bring some of her dad's military mementos (wall things, hats, even books). The daughter finally understood and took them home so that the family will have them to keep. God bless and good luck to you and yours.

You have received good advice here. I can add only that you and her boyfriend can make preparations for the change, but don't try explaining it ahead of time. She will become and remain agitated. My husband had Alzheimer's and needed to be placed. On the advice of hospice, I told him only the night before. He said clearly, "This is the last dinner I will eat with you. This is the last time I will sit in my recliner, sleep in our bed." But he adjusted to the nursing home, although he sometimes asked to go home. Best wishes to you.

First - a reply to pamstegma's post. I am POA for my mother and moved her a month ago. I didn't need guardianship or a court order and I signed all the documents. Perhaps it varies by state? I'm in NC.

BLarkin, my heart goes out to you. I know that it feels like no one else really understands because your situation is so different from anyone else's. Because it's your own to deal with. Moving my mother was the absolute hardest thing I've ever had to do. Mom's been there a month now and there are more highs than lows but the lows are heartbreaking for her and for me. I know it's for the best but she did get much worse after the move. I hear it can take at least a few months to settle and then I'll still hear complaints. Searching the web on this topic and seeing that wanting to go home, etc. is a normal part of the transition...well, it doesn't make me exactly feel better but it does make me know that this is the norm. Get your mother moved because that, at least, will be a huge weight off your shoulders. A few days in advance I tried to explain the move to my mother which, honestly, was a mistake. I knew that it was doubtful that she would be onboard and it caused her a lot of agitation those few days in advance. I was shaking in my boots on move day but sent Mom out to breakfast and a movie with my husband and I swept in there to meet the movers, pack the things that were going and then head to the new apartment to unpack before Mom arrived. I wanted it to look like home when she got there. But she was still furious. Yet, I know it was the right decision. Tiptoeing around the dementia just wasn't helping either of us. This all being said...your move could go less dramatically than mine. I share my experience only because I hope it may help. I had foot surgery earlier this year and I heard that the recovery was going to horrible. It was much easier than I thought it was going to be. I have no idea what any of those people who shared their experience with me were talking about. That's what I'm wishing for you. Prayers headed your way.

Then don't expect anything, and be surprised when actuality kicks in. Just because she gets upsets when you dust, get over it! The dementia mind is trying to find order and moving objects is one way for them to "arrange" their brains (which cannot be done). As POA you have a responsibility FIRST to your mother, and get her in a safe and healthy environment. Trust me, she will soon forget her home surroundings and adapt to her new surroundings. As far as the "boyfriend", tell him what you are going to do, and then follow through. He might be afraid he will be losing a place to live, but work things out with him since he has taken care of your mother. Stop allowing your emotions to rule your head. Get her some place where professionals can care for her and visit when you can. You can do nothing to change this diagnosis, she will only get worse, and she will die. Those are the facts. Now deal with them.

Just want to share what i did for 2 wk respite care for alz spouse while i was in another country. It was a Memery Care place. I never told him i was leaving him there. He would go during day for day care. I secretly took his suitcase & bed foam from home. They just told him at end of day he was staying with them tonite. I was so stressed i got shingles 3 wks before. He will never go to bed w/o me & i had them promise he'd have a rm mate. Another lady in my support group had a son in law there & she ckd on my husband & texted me he was doing fine. Relief... when i picked him up he said out of the blue, i really enjoyed it here. He normaly cant remember what he just ate so that was a gift from God. I feel the boyfriend may get sick or die before your mom. Many caregivers do.

I'm wondering if you can move them together to an ALF apartment? After 20 years together, isn't that a common law marriage? It sounds like he needs help as much as she does. The independence he wants is not the best for your mother at all.
If you have to step in and move her, I wish you all the best. You don't sound overly enamored of this man, although he has taken on quite a burden. The smoking is a great concern, I personally do not know of a single "smoking allowed" facility at all. Perhaps she can quit if he isn't there to hand her a cigarette. That would be a plus!
I get the cleaning thing--I can barely scrape the dust off mom's aging plants before she accuses me of theft and intrusion. She can't see the dust and it doesn't bother her (but it gives her a hacking cough, nonetheless, so dusting I go!) I also wouldn't take a lot of memorabilia to her new place, if you can make the move. Stuff gets "lost" very easily. A few pictures, nothing of value...and slowly add or take things away to make the place more homelike. You seem to be aware that the nicotine smell may cause some complaints from other residents--maybe no furniture at first? Have it deep cleaned, but that smell lingers forever.

Anyway, I wish you the best. Sounds like the BF has some issues of his own, doesn't he have family? He could just be very lonely. There's a lot of issues at hand here, I wish you the best.

Believe me, when my mother needed memory care, I was worried about some of the same things you were. My mother had always told all of her children that she would never go to any such place and stated this in her Will. She also was a highly successful interior designer, antique collector and dressed impeccably with top of the line fashions. Plus my mother was fiercely independent, having raised 5 children on her own when my father died 45 years earlier. My siblings and I would never have believed getting my mother to go into a memory care facility would work as easy and as well as it did. It was truly a miracle! I would suggest:
1. Going to a geriatric specialist and getting an up to date physical
2. If she can not function on her own, having the geriatric specialist declare her incompetent
3. You doing research to find an appropriate memory care facility (don't tell your mother)
4. Help your mother stop smoking
5. Inform the boyfriend of your plan but he must keep it confidential; work out a mutual plan for his continued involvement (his safety and well-being of living alone, visiting your mom, etc.)
6. Express your concerns to a key individual at the memory care unit as well as your mother's doctor
(In my case, two of her doctors told me that it was time for my mother to go to a memory care unit and I still kept her living with me a few months after their advice until I realized that my family really could not care for her any longer. The marketing director at the memory care unit routinely helps plan for the new resident's arrival - there are staff members assigned to help move in; you can ask for certain furniture that they have available to be placed in the room ahead of time).

Do you have other family members who can help with the transition for your mother?

In my case, one of my brothers came from out of town and took mom for the day while my sister and I brought things mom needed for her "new room" down and decorated. Since my mother has problems with paranoia and people stealing things as well as my mother losing/misplacing things, we decided to bring just a few things: 2 of her favorite German paintings, limited furniture, limited clothing (labled); and new bathroom and bedding to make her room look nice. I was still worried that when my brother brought my mom to the facility later that day, that my mother would not get out of the car. I called the doctor and he increased one of her medications a few days before... and then my brother brought my mother to the facility, she was tired after an outing all day and she needed to use the bathroom. My brother said "this place has a bathroom -let's go in). She came into the lobby and my sister and I greeted her, as well as the marketing director and staff and we walked her down to her new room to use the bathroom. When she saw the room and how nice it looked decorated with a few of her favorite things, my sister told her that this new place was picked out just for her. The doctor was right - she immediately accepted this living arrangement as her new "house". My sister stayed with her to eat dinner and I came the next day. Mom did not even remember that I was there the night before. I attribute the success of this move to many things: prayers and God, advanced planning, the help of my siblings and the staff at memory care facility; the choice of facility (small/clean/wooden floors/tall ceilings/newness/ rooms overlooking a garden area and lake, etc.). It has provided my mother with what she needs and gives my family and me who have cared for her previously the reassurance she is being cared for and our own lives back to an extent.

If we could do it with my mother, anyone can. Good luck!

When my two friends over which I was given POA for their health care and finances needed to move, I had researched the nearby assisted living/memory care facilities for several months. I only found one that had apartments in the memory care floor large enough for a married couple. The day of the move, I had another friend and the 3rd POA take them out to breakfast in a nearby community, then to have their nails done. While they were doing this, the movers and I were at work getting their new one bedroom apartment ready. We had their bedroom set up just like in their condo, their television set up just like in their den: the same furniture, the same photographs, the same TV and arranged the same way. When they arrived, the husband took one look at his familiar recliner and sat with a sigh of relief and has been happy there ever since. The wife was happy just to be with her husband. The dining area was only a short way down the hallway and they adapted quickly and never once spoke about not being in their condo. That part worked as smoothly as one could wish and their needed care was monitored provided expertly by the staff there.

It is important as mentioned above to have them both get the level of care that they need. I was able to cover all these expenses out of their monthly income and savings until the long term care insurance kicked in. When I get their condo emptied and sold, that money will go in to their savings and be used for the husband's care, now that the wife has passed on. He was sure they could live on their own, but it was impossible. He is still sure he is just fine, but would not survive without the care he is receiving. And he is happy with where he is and the new friends he has made. He tells me he remembers to pray for his wife everyday. I do, too, as she was a remarkable person until her frontal temporal dementia took her life.

I don't think that I would take on the responsibility of arranging care for her boyfriend, since, they are not related. I'd ensure that mom was well placed.

Do you have authority to act on mom's behalf regarding her finances? Will she pay privately or apply for Medicaid?

I found that discussing things in advance with a person who has significant dementia is not helpful. Plus, she's not likely to like it in the short term nor remember it later on.

I'd discuss plans with the facility if she tries to wander. Find out what they will do. Has a doctor prescribed Secure care due to her wandering?

I'd check on the facility in advance to see what you need to bring. In the places I found, they provided the bed, chest of drawers, night stand, curtains, etc. You could put your own pictures and decor up though. They also provided sheets, towels and blankets at no extra charge, so basically, you only need her clothes and personal items. I wouldn't take too much. While it depends on the level of dementia, I found that my loved one didn't look at her photos, wall art, animal pictures, etc. nearly as much as I thought he would. It's sad, but, unless someone is there to point to the items, they seemed to go unnoticed.

I'd get her to the facility as calmly and quickly as possible. I'd avoid a big scene with luggage or boxes and them there by another person who can do it behind the scenes.

BLarkin: Your mother needs MUCH MORE assistance than her gentleman friend can provide. It's time for a move, but then again you already know that. Little things TREMENDOUSLY upset an Alzheimer's patient. I feel for you all. (((Hugs)))

Blarkin
You're a good son for being so concerned about your mom and my heart goes out to you and her given her age

May I ask if you are both financial and health care POA? you will need to have both in place

At 73 your mom could live quite awhile longer and so finances are a necessary but unfortunate thing to think about as you consider a care facility

You are close but not yet in a crises where you have to make a split decision - give yourself an outline of everything that needs to be considered and seek guidance from an elder law attorney or geriatric care manager or social worker or your local area agency for aging

Does your mom have a primary care physician or neurologist to ask for advice - she may need to be on meds for anxiety or sleeping if she wanders at night

Visit several care facilities - they come in all sizes - also look into smaller residential home settings which work well for some

Most assisted living / memory care facilities are private pay and can be quite costly so knowing what your options are will help you make a better decision

Don't get taken in by the bells and whistles of the building itself but look for how the residents act - are they awake and tended to or are they sedated

My mom has been in memory care for 10 months - it is not easy - other residents especially men can exhibit scary behavior - she's in a shared room which is $300 a day and I did buy her a full size bed for comfort
Some have tvs in their rooms but don't know how to work the remote
Many have private caregivers including my mom which greatly increases the cost

Once you've narrowed the choices try to visit the facility in the early evening when less staff is around to get a true sense of things
Ask how many CNA staff to residents at day and night - is there a nurse available and when - is there a visiting doctor - who is it? Will you keep your own doctor ?

I've observed folks in their 70s who are quite confused but seem to accept where they are without too much difficulty - others like my mom hate it and want to be home - perhaps it's an age thing - she's 93 and her needs are not the same as a 77 year old

Dementia is not an easy journey but come back here for support and questions - there's a wealth of experience here

Blarkin.....my heart and my support goes out to you. the day I took my mom was awful. I had to trick her to go. If I would have known then what all I know now it would have been so much easier on both of us. Almost 7 yrears ago my dad had a massive heart attack. He was the lone caregiver as I would help when I could. When he came home from the hospital I lived with them to help him recover thinking it would be for a couple of weeks and it ended up being 6 mos. In that time I learned so much of what he had been going through. Me being in their home completely through my mom off her routine and I knew she needed more help (and we needed some rest) than I could give her. I found a facility that was the best thing for her although I'm sure she would strongly disagree with me on that if she could. She just passed away on Aug. 27th of this year. Anyway, back to what I have learned.....I wish I had done day care with her at the facility she went to. See if the facility you have found or find one that does day care respite. If they do, DO IT to get her used to it and their routines. My mom's place told me not to come for 2 to 3 weeks so that she could get used to the surroundings and routines without family interrupting that. It was very hard not to go but I would call to see how she was doing and they were glad to help me through the process. After a few weeks that was her NEW norm. Their minds work so much differently than ours. It's like us putting human emotions to animals. We think how can ducks get in that cold water in the winter? Oh those poor things. Our loved ones have emotions and sometimes they are sad but they forget very quickly. You might need to "trick" your mom into going to a daycare but honestly it's the best thing for her. The people there KNOW what they are doing and how to handle a hostile or upset patient (they redirect them). It's hard to watch but it's not going to last long. You have to join them on THEIR journey not your's. In the last 6 years that I have been taking care of my dad I know my health has gone downhill. Only 65 and I feel like I'm his age of 94. Her boyfriend needs help. I am really smart and can do a lot of things but this has worn me down to a pulp. Makes it hard to enjoy the grand kids, trips (when I do get to get away) or whatever else comes up. I hope some of this makes sense. Good Luck and God Bless

I would involve the common law spouce. He has been her constant for 20 years.
Since he is having health issues would only be curtious to see if could move them together or her close so he can visit often.
Fear of being alone engulf many.
Actually the nursinghomes have to I am found honor right to smoke as well as right to not smoke. A nicotine patch maybe used but assessing amout of tobacco smoked and type is necessary.
You are POA who is Durable and Healthcare surrogate. Who is fuduciary payee for if any gov benefits.
You can apply for longterm care HBHCW and Nursonghome through Dept.Children and Families. She will get case manager for the longterm care they will do assessment. She can go to daycare through neighborly care network meal on wheels this is part of the LTC I mentioned applying for also but do not have to be on LTC.
Her being upset when you clean or move to dust is unfortunately normal.
Thing in their place and stay there.
If move to nsg home.Pictures COPY only . nothing you want to bring back.
Everything counterfit copy you take to nsg home.Esp. rings. Sorry but if you dont want to lose it dont take it. Esp. Memory care. They walk in and out of rooms trying to find theirs pick up what ever. Then there are the ones that collect whatever and hide it. There are some cognitively do it.
Then the workers.
To enact the DPOA need doctor to do can do on visit. And since she is a degenerative life threatening disease.
Skilled care form filled out by Dr. You get from Elder Affairs DCF.
Smoking when have ducks in a row. Take boyfriend aside. If Dr. Orders to stop or documents cut doen. Can NOT SMOKE with Patch. If boyfriend does give her cig after this then he is detriment to her health..... Let him know this. As DPOA enacted by her physicians2 she would be deemed in unhealthy enviroment.
Discuss the other meds with her Dr. If you are DPOA HCS the healthcare surrogate in some states can not be Soc Sec payee. As DNR possible responsibility of HCS. Why I said all ducks in a row.
If you can involve him explain her brain will work better without the nicotine.
But be aware make yourself aware of fact that persons with emphysema often nicotine actully helps them breathe. If med marijuna or essence avail. Investigate this if emphysema a problem. Also is non tobacco herbal mix that actually helps curb desire and ceases desire. Old herbal mix known as Cowboy Smoke, included is roseleaves with rose hips being last herb withdrawn.Sasiates and Ceases desire. I dont know how but it does and from a 55yr smoker who couldnt quit.Hypnosis and all.took lessthan 6 mo. Just quit.
The furniture and arti les baking soad will release the nicotine oils. Can be rubbed on dry and used in cleaning water or with paste let dry rinse off may take couple of times. And old fashioned lysol concentrate (phenyl) or yor favorite scent lavender or lemon having oil release properties also can use for effectived deodorising nicotine stain removal all of above esp baking soda , borax in clothes linens also
Take care nicotine is absorbed through your skin. Wear gloves. Take boyfriend onboard as in her best intrest frequent visitations stimulate memory and he can play bingo etc... which is good for her. He can have a chance to take care of himself since elderly also if he doesnt want to be lonely have him with you check out facilities ALF with skilled care to meet both their needs.
Don't resent him for caring for her in the way that was the norm. for their generation.
Thanksgiving wishes.

If they were married would you feel so responsible for your mother? Wouldn't that be his decision? After 20 years they are most definitely a married couple. Why didn't they get married? Both the common-law husband and your mother would wildly resent being separated. Wouldn't you? The medicine tinkering may be ok because my sister would do that for my mother to alter the side effects. Namenda causes weak legs and sleepiness. He is there and sees the side effects every minute. If he is pleased to care for her he should. But his wishes or opinions are not sought nor cared about. If he says "I got it", it probably means "please stay out of this". Just say "it's up to him" and your life will greatly improve.

Thank you for your input snowquail.
He "don't got it", that's the problem.
His "wishes and opinions" are very much cared about, due to the fact they are not in the best interest of my Mothers well being.
Also, no, I will not just say, "it's up to him" and I can care less about *my* life improving, it's Hers I'm only concerned with at this point.
There is no common law marriage in the state of Arizona, and even if they were married, of COURSE I'd not only feel, but BE responsible for my Mothers well being.
I do appreciate your input, although it does sound as if you feel I'm being heartless in some way. I am looking out for *his* wellbeing as well. He is in way over his head, and further care is needed than he can provide.
Again, thank you.

Thank you to all other comements as well.
I have gathered much valuable information & resources from all of your responses.

*cannot provide*