Expert: Paula Damgaard - 1/12/2005

Question
Hi I hope you don't mind answering some more questions for me...
1)How can I prepare the loved one for the move?
2)How can I help them to adjust to the new situation and the new environment?
3)How can I help build a relationship between the loved one the the facility staff?

Answer
I don't mind at all.  It is really hard to prepare them for the move.  With my mother she thought she was moving into her own apartment.  So when we moved her in we brought as much of her things as possible to decorate.  Nothing worth alot of money but stuff that was "important" to her.  Like her favorite pictures, her easy chair, all her clothes and then for every holiday we made sure that we decorated it as much as possible.  She wound up being the "best decorated on the floor"  She was proud.  

The best way to make sure that she has the best relationship with the staff is for you to become the staff's best friend.  Always remember that the staff is probably the least paid employees around.  they could make the same if they were working at McDonald's!  And not haved to do the back breaking work they do now.  SO whatever you have to do to make them your friend DO IT!!  

The more they feel like you are their friend the better they will care for her.

I hope this helps.  Paula