If your loved one is a resident of a memory care facility, never assume that your role is not important. In fact, as a family member, you play one of the most critical roles in the process, in that you are a key member of the support team. To ensure your love has the best experience possible, learn about some of the helpful practices to engage in.

1. Exercise Patience

Dementia is an adjustment that the entire family must process. Your family member is not in it alone. Although you may not believe that your loved one is mentally aware of everything around them, they may be able to pick up on emotions and energy. The last thing you want is for your family to sense stress or agitation on your part. To avoid this type of scenario, it is important to exercise patience. 

2. Be a Team

If there are other family members who will be supporting your loved one in the care facility, it is helpful if you all develop a team spirit. Even though most of your loved one's care will be in the hands of staff, it is still easy to become overwhelmed with supporting your loved one. To avoid burnout, each family member should take on a different task so that no person is charged with carrying a greater load than the other. 

3. Establish a Routine 

Make a routine when it comes to visiting your loved one at the memory care center. An important thing to remember about dementia, is that an individual's cognitive state can waver, in that there are periods when they may be more alert than others. One way to help your loved one is to establish a routine. For example, plan to visit your loved one every Saturday around breakfast time. Establishing a routine is helpful for both of you.

4. Engage with Staff 

Make sure you engage with staff often. Staff members spend more time with your loved one than anyone else. So, naturally, they are the best source of information concerning your loved one's health. Engaging with staff is a great way to get non-health-related information about your loved one's day that may not be included in their medical record, such as how their attitude was or details about some of the conversations they had.

Keep all these tips in mind as you support your loved one's journey with memory care. If you need assistance with the adjustment process, do not hesitate to ask a care professional at the facility. For more information, contact a company like Haven In Allyn Assisted Living.