According the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, one out of four adults who is sixty-five years and older trips and falls. In fact, falls are responsible for the most injuries and fatalities among seniors. Don’t fear- the good news is that falls can easily be prevented with just a few easy-to-remember tips! 

​Be aware of your surroundings. Remove all clutter from your pathways—including throw rugs and electrical cords. Arrange furniture so that you always have a clear walking path.

​Install sturdy handrails on your stairs so that you or a loved one will have something to keep you steady as you walk up or down a staircase. To prevent falls in the bathroom, install grab bars in the shower or tub or use a shower seat with a hand-held shower head.

Rearrange the contents of your cupboards to be within easy reach so that you won’t have to strain to reach a kitchen item that you use on a daily basis. NEVER stand on a chair to reach something high.

Make sure that your lightbulbs are bright enough so that you won’t be stumbling around in dim light. At night time, use night lights in your bedroom and bathroom and be sure to turn on the lights if you get up at night.

​Take your time. Don’t rush to answer the phone or door, but instead, take time to carefully and safely get to your destination. If you feel dizzy, stand up slowly. It’s also a good idea to sit on the edge of the bed before standing up when you first wake up.

​Wear well-fitted, non-slip shoes with low heels and good support. Make sure laces are always tied and short enough to prevent tripping. Don’t walk in your socks because socks have no traction and they make it easy to fall when walking on tile. 

​Have your doctor or pharmacist review all of the medications that you are taking (even over the counter drugs, vitamins and supplements) and always keep a list of your current medications. Some medications have side effects (like dizziness) that can lead to a fall. 

Don’t lift or carry anything that’s too heavy. When unloading your car, stay safe and take many trips to unload your items. If you overload yourself, it becomes hard to see where you are going and therefore, it’s easy to lose balance.

Ask your doctor or therapist for safe exercises that build strength and improve balance. These exercises and stretches not only help improve your physical health, but they also help your mental health as well!

Take care of your feet! Trim toenails and check feet every day for sores, bunions, calluses, warts and numbness. If your feet hurt, you will be less active, which could increase your risk for falls.
​
With these tips for preventing indoor falls, you can live a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable life!  For more information about preventing falls, please check out these additional tips and a fall risk assessment or call 612-721-2491 for more information.

​Check out this delightful interview that Martin Luther’s Marysue Moses (Dimensions Program Coordinator) conducted with David Cobb, BCC, Director of Spiritual Health at Martin Luther Campus. David Cobb’s experiences at Martin Luther explain why Spiritual Health is very important for residents at Martin Luther.

​One day, I walked into the Martin Luther Care Center with a big purple cast on my arm and one of our residents (I’ll call her Peg) asked me what happened. “I have a ruptured biceps tendon,” I explained. Peg winced for a moment, then grinned mischievously. “Now you know what it’s like for those of us dealing with injuries and health problems!” she said. 

Since I had a cast put on my arm, it’s been a challenge to button my shirt, tie my shoes, slice a watermelon, etc. There’s a lot of activities that I took for granted when I could easily do them; like riding my bike, mowing the lawn, serving communion, and more.

As I’ve gone through this process, it is not hard to imagine how difficult it is for our residents to adjust to their health problems and injuries. It's especially hard when their challenges are more permanent and their mind, body, and spirit don’t heal like they used to.

Any unexpected shift in autonomy, sense of identity, and connection to others indicates a potential source of spiritual distress.
 
As a Chaplain at the Martin Luther Campus, I have the privilege of helping residents and their families identify distress and we develop ways to cope with the challenges that the residents face. Some residents have given up a home, a job and their role in providing for their family, responsibility for a pet, control of the kitchen, and more. These losses can trigger anger, shame, despair, anxiety, loneliness, or fear.
 
We are here to help with these losses and we provide Spiritual Care, Pastoral Care, Interdisciplinary Care, Weekly Worship, and more for all of our residents at Martin Luther. The Martin Luther Campus supports residents, families, and staff to integrate Spiritual Health with their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

​I’m not happy about my injury and it’s going to take a long time to heal. However, my injury is making me more aware of the spiritual distress our residents may feel in their new transitions and this better prepares me to help and encourage them through their new journeys.
 
Peg asks about my arm each time she sees me now and this reminds me that a lot of our residents have a spiritual need to care for others, just like we care for them. We are not just care-givers for our patients, but care partners with them as they head into the next stage of life and Spiritual Growth.
 
 
At the Martin Luther Campus in Bloomington, MN, we offer many spiritual health programs. We know firsthand how spiritual health can make an impact in your life or the life of a loved one. 

This blog comes from Emily Holland, Wall Street Journal and Dan Buetter, Blue Zones Power 9
 
Many older adults want to stay in their home as long as possible because there is an assumption that living at home is a sign of independence, but the reality is that living alone can often lead to loneliness and isolation. This loneliness and the health risks that are associated with it can be overcome with Senior Living Communities! Senior Living Communities provide great opportunities to interact with others, have purposeful engagement in daily life, and more!  

​When people move into our Senior Living Community here at Martin Luther Campus, the residents often tell us, “I wish I would have moved sooner” and their family members comment “We’ve seen our loved one blossom in the last few months!” These comments show that Senior Living improves lives, but how exactly does Senior Living fight loneliness and provide more meaningful lives?

• Senior Living Communities bring people together. We provide Coffee Socials, Happy Hours, and Lunch Meeting Times to help bring seniors together and to encourage them to grow their meaningful relationships with others.
• Senior Living Communities provide opportunities for purposeful engagement in daily life. The residents at Martin Luther Campus like to volunteer, help out their neighbors, and share experiences with friends.
• Senior Living Communities offer spiritual programming in the community and often offers transportation to local services. Research has shown that regular attendance at Faith-Based Services improves life expectancy.
• Intergenerational Programing brings older adults and young children together to work on projects, enjoy each other’s company, and learn from each other. The young and the young at heart both have so much wisdom and joy to share with one another.
• Senior Living Communities provide regularly scheduled fitness classes to help maintain physical mobility. These fitness classes are a warm and welcoming environment where seniors don’t have to feel judged or insecure about using adaptive devices (like walkers or wheelchairs).
• Martin Luther Campus provides accessible vans that allows older adults the opportunity to easily get out and about, go shopping, visit restaurants, and more. These seniors can stay connected with the community at large and continue to do the activities that they love.

Are you or a loved one feeling lonely and are yearning to join a fun and fulfilling Senior Living Community? Schedule a private tour of the Martin Luther Campus to check out our beautiful campus and all of the great programs that we offer.
 
For more information about loneliness and isolation, take the quick and beneficial isolation and loneliness self-assessment.

​Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.  

​Tips Came from Marysue Moses, Ebenezer Dimensions Program Coordinator

​When you are taking care of a person who has dementia, it is important to be aware that paranoia is a very common symptom of dementia. Paranoia is accusation or suspiciousness that a person with dementia has about something or someone. We've compiled some tips for helping your loved one who is struggling with dementia and paranoia. 

​A common example of paranoia is when people who have dementia accuse others in the household of stealing something that they have actually misplaced. It is very tempting to try to convince the person (let’s call him Gary) that you didn’t take his belongings, but arguing with Gary only causes stress and frustration.
 
Instead of trying to convince Gary why you didn’t take his belongings, try to see the situation from his point-of-view. In this instance, remember that Compassion= Empathy + Action (Sandra Mcgurran, Social Worker with Fairview Home Care and Hospice Senior Services).

​Here are some tips to guide you in giving a compassionate response when dealing with situations of paranoia and dementia.
 
DO LISTEN to the person with dementia, and VALIDATE their feeling, i.e., say something to the person like: “That’s not a very nice feeling to think someone would just take something from you.”
 
DO RESIST THE URGE to get into an argument with the person.
 
DO ACKNOWLEDGE that they are upset. “I can see why you’re upset. I would be too, if that happened to me.”
 
DO OFFER A SIMPLE IDEA. “I wonder if your shirt is in the wash. Maybe your wallet was left in a pocket?”
 
DO BE HELPFUL and action-oriented. “I will go check the laundry room for your lost shirt” or “Let’s check your pockets for the wallet.”
 
DO ASK QUESTIONS. Ask the person with dementia (Gary): “What color was that shirt that you lost?”
 
DO BE REASSURING. Tell Gary: "Don't you worry, I’m sure we’ll find your shirt.”
 
DO SHIFT THE FOCUS TO SOMETHING ELSE. Say to Gary: “Let’s take a break and have a cup of coffee; coffee always helps me think more clearly!” Be sure to offer an activity or meal that you know the person will be interested in! 
 
DO DUPLICATE items that are repeatedly misplaced. For example, if a person often loses their wallet, obtain several of the same kind of wallet to keep on hand. Make copies of cards that are in the original, so you can stuff the replacement wallets with those.  
 
DO NOT TAKE OFFENSE on behalf of the accused person.
DO NOT offer a lengthy opinion or a list of reasons why they shouldn’t be upset; this may make them more confused and frustrated than before.    

DO LET THE ACCUSATION ROLL OFF YOUR BACK. Remember that your family member is functioning with a brain that is doing the absolute best it can under the circumstances of dementia. 
 
DO TRY IGNORING THE ACCUSATION.  Instead, simply validate the person’s feelings by saying something like: “Oh no! Your favorite shirt is missing?  Of course, you’re upset. That’s a beautiful shirt!” 
 
Validating Gary’s feeling could distract his focus from accusing you. Depending on the level of Gary's suspiciousness, you might need to step away and take a break (if someone else is there to assist Gary). In that case, tell Gary: “I can see that you’re upset with me. I’ll go see if Ann will help you look.”      
 
DO THINK AHEAD.  For things that are frequently misplaced, it could be helpful to clearly label a home base in the room where a purse can hang or a wallet can sit. Think ahead by initiating a routine of checking that spot every night together.
 
 MAINTAIN A SENSE OF HUMOR AND GOODWILL towards the person with dementia. You can turn an uncomfortable situation around with some humor. For instance, you can tell Gary: "You know, Gary, I remember you telling me that when I lost stuff, I would forget my head if it wasn’t attached. You also said that lost things usually turn up if we are teensy bit patient and that was always so helpful!” 
 
Taking care of a loved one who struggles with dementia and paranoia may become too hard for you mentally and emotionally and at Martin Luther campus, we are here to help! We offer a Dimensions Memory Care Program that includes care plans based on detailed assessments that consider the person’s abilities, needs, preferences, and personal history, we employ staff with dementia-specific training, we have 24-hour staffing and round-the-clock emergency response, and more.
 
For more information on helping a love one who has dementia, check out Coping with Behavior Change in Dementia: A Family Caregiver’s Guide, by Beth Spencer and Laurie White. For tips on the transition into a memory care facility, check out our Ten Tips to Ease Transition into a Memory Care Community.

​Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952-948-5167.

​As we age, we naturally start to experience memory loss. But when does normal memory loss cross over into Alzheimer’s or Dementia? The early signs of both disorders are often dismissed as “senior moments.” But if your loved one struggles with memory loss, mood swings or confusion, it may be signs of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Look for these 10 warning signs.

​Occasionally forgetting doctor’s appointments or names is a normal part of aging, but people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia frequently experience memory loss. It may start as forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates or asking for the same information repeatedly. 

​Does it seem to take your loved one longer to do familiar tasks? Were they once able to balance their checkbook, but now struggle understanding the numbers? A person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may have difficulty concentrating and following plans or understanding numbers.

​Alzheimer’s or Dementia can cause your loved one to struggle with routine tasks. It can be as simple as forgetting directions to a familiar place, trouble preparing meals or remembering rules to a favorite game.

​Occasional disorientation is common, as long as the person later remembers. People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia have difficulty keeping track of dates. They may think it’s a different day or year, or forget where they are and how they got there.

​For some people, vision problems can be another sign of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Difficulty reading, judging distance or determining color or contrast are all symptoms. If the person doesn’t have any other vision-related health issues, Alzheimer’s or Dementia could be to blame.

​We all occasionally have trouble finding the right word, but a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia will stumble with language frequently. They may forget common words and use odd words in their place. They may trail off in the middle of a conversation or repeat themselves.

​Losing keys every now and then is common, but Alzheimer’s and Dementia interfere with a person’s ability to remember where they placed items. If your loved one frequently loses things and can’t retrace their steps, that may be a sign. They may also leave things in seemingly random places, then forget that they put them there. 

​People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may struggle with decision-making and judgment calls. They may fall prey to telemarketing schemes or other money scams.

​If your loved one seems to have no interest in favorite activities or hobbies, that could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. They may start to remove themselves from favorite hobbies, social activities, work or sports. They may start keeping to themselves more and more.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia can cause extreme mood and personality changes. People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious, especially in unfamiliar situations. They may also experience rapid mood swings.
 
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it’s important to talk to their doctor as soon as possible. If Alzheimer’s or Dementia is detected early, your loved one can receive the best benefit from treatments. You can then take steps for make an action plan for deciding on treatments, finding a caregiver and taking preventative steps.
 
Sources:
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp
https://www.fightdementia.org.au/national/about-dementia/how-can-i-find-out-more/warning-signs-of-dementi

​Every year, three million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, with around 55% of these falls occurring inside the house. According to a study by Gill et al, older people living in dwellings without stairs most often fall in five key areas: hallways (10%), bathrooms (13%), kitchens (19%), bedrooms (30%) and living rooms. If live alone, guard yourself against falls by ensuring your home is as fall-proof as possible.

​Many seniors slip and fall because of slippery surfaces. Marble can get very slippery when wet but is also very tough on bones and muscles if a fall should ensue. Carpet will give you a much better grip. If you have asthma or dust allergies and you prefer hard flooring, wood or laminate are preferable to natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. Talk to a builder about specific anti-slip material as well; some of the most efficient options include rubber, cork, and bamboo.

​It is important to take a long hard look at your home and to identify possible triggers for trips and falls. These can include low-lying furniture and decorative pieces. The layout of your home should suit your specific needs. For instance, if you have limited mobility, having tall furniture pieces that are within reach of each other will give you something to hold on to. Tidiness is also key. Sometimes even a small item such as a bottle cap or a grandchild’s toy can result in an unpleasant fall, so make sure your floor space is completely clear. For extra safety, ensure you have a telephone in more than one room, or better still, a wearable device, which informs the emergency department if you fall. Avoid hallway rugs and other small sized fabrics that can become a tripping risk.

​Arthritis.org estimates that around 31 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis. If you have joint pain, it can be difficult to turn doorknobs, open the water faucet, or sit on/get up from low toilet seats. If you have the budget for it, it is important to make a few changes so as to make day-to-day life easier. These may include installing a raised toilet seat, or raising kitchen equipment so you don’t have to bend over. Other changes are cheap and easy; for instance, if it hurts your joints to use a doorknob, a simple doorknob grip will lessen your burden. To ease stability and comfort when getting in and out of a bath or when getting up from a favorite chair, grab bars are the way to go.

Changes in level between one room and another can be a major source of falls. It is easy to remedy this, by installing a ramp-type transition between the two rooms. You can either have a transition made or use a ready-made rubber ramp, provided the latter is stable and large enough to cover walkable areas.
​
We have mentioned just a few home ideas to reduce the chances of painful trips and falls, though there are many more you should consider. Good lighting, fixing kitchen and other equipment at suitable heights, and removing steps from the main entrance will enable you to feel more confident. If you find that your balance is off or that you feel weaker than normal, see your doctor to ensure pain, vision, or other problems will not increase the likelihood of falls.

At Martin Luther Campus, we take safety seriously. All our facilities are designed to be both comfortable and safe for seniors, to minimize fall risks. 

This blog comes from  Rachel Wirthlin, MPH, Nutrition & Dietetics Student U of MN 

​An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but how do you keep muscle pain at bay? Eating protein can not only help you build muscle, but also help relieve muscle soreness post workout.

​Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, dairy products, and staying hydrated helps your body fight off infection, build and maintain muscle, and maintain a healthy body. Protein foods are especially important to maintain and keep your muscles strong. Your body also uses protein to make energy. As you age, your muscles start to deteriorate due to inactivity and as part of the aging process. To decrease the amount of muscle that deteriorates, physical activity and consuming protein foods can help keep muscles strong. 

​A lot of animal products are full of protein. These are foods such as meats, eggs, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products, and seafood. There are also plant based proteins. These include nuts, soy products, peas, and beans. When choosing foods that are high in protein, make sure your meats are lean meats. Plant based proteins tend to also be lower in calories, fats, and cholesterol. Try to incorporate a protein based food with every meal or snack.
 
Ideas can include eggs and toast for breakfast, or adding peanut butter to your oatmeal. For lunch, try to have a type of meat or fish with vegetables. The same can be said for dinner. Or add nuts and nut butters to snacks. Try some cheese with crackers, or peanut butter with an apple. There are many ways you can include protein and keep your body strong and healthy!
 
At Ebenezer, your nutrition matters. Both our assisted living programs and day programs ensure seniors receive proper nutritional food for every meal. 

Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.
​

​Eating healthy is important at any age, but it becomes even more important as you age. Many older adults suffer from malnutrition. When trying to eat healthy, follow these tips to improve your quality of life. 

Older adults need increased calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health and strength. It is recommended to have three servings of vitamin D-fortified low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt each day. Other calcium-rich foods include fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables and canned fish with soft bones. If you take a calcium supplement or multivitamin, choose one that contains vitamin D. Other important nutrients for older adults include: Vitamin B12, Fiber, and Potassium.

Source:https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/special-nutrient-needs-of-older-adult

Being physically active can help you stay strong and independent as you age, improving quality of life, and reduce the risk of disease and disability. It is important to find an activity that is appropriate for your fitness level. Strive for at least 10 minutes of exercise at a time and increase as tolerable. Include activities that improve balance, increase strength, and reduce your risk of falling such as lifting small weights. Being active will make it easier to enjoy regular activities such as shopping or gardening. If you are not sure about your level of fitness, check with your doctor before starting an intense exercise program or vigorous physical activity.
Source: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/older-adult

It is important to consume well-balanced meals from all of the five food groups (fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy). Add color to your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating all the colors of the rainbow make sure you are consuming all of the essential vitamins and minerals in a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables can make a great snack in between meals!
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/know-your-food-groups

Choosing whole grains provide individuals with more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined/ white grain products. Some whole grains include popcorn, brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, bulgur, and quinoa. These will be listed as such on an ingredient list. To determine whether other grains are whole grains look at the first food on the ingredients list should contain the word "whole," prior to the name of the grain, such as whole wheat, whole oats, or whole grain corn. Ingredients are listed in order by weight from greatest to least. The first ingredient will be in the greatest amount by weight. It is recommended that 50% of the grains consumed are whole grains.
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/know-your-food-groups

Foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning, is any illness that is caused by the food you eat. Safe food handling can help reduce your risk of getting sick from food. It is especially important for older adults that are vulnerable to illness and can take longer to recover. Tips:

• Never thaw food at room temperature. Always thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in a microwave. After thawing in cold water or in the microwave, you must cook the food immediately.
• Wash hands with warm soapy water before preparing food. Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards, and other work surfaces after contact with raw meat and poultry. This helps prevent cross contamination.
• Never leave perishable food out of refrigeration for more than two hours. This includes take-out foods, leftover meals, and meals-on wheels deliveries.
• Thoroughly cook raw meat, poultry (165F), and fish (145F).

Source: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/at-risk-populations/older-adults-and-food-safety/ct_index

Use these tips to stay healthy!

​Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.

Did you know? At least one in three of the millions of older adults admitted to the hospital every year is malnourished upon admission. Malnutrition is a growing problem among older Americans.
 
The economic impact of malnutrition is HUGE. It is estimated that disease-associated malnutrition costs the U.S. $157 billion every year. Other research points to a 300 percent increase in healthcare costs that can be attributed to poor nutrition status.
 
Eating healthy for older adults can be a challenge, but here are some tips to stay healthy.
 
The National Healthy Eating Guidelines for Older Adults Are…

• Eat calcium rich foods
  
• Use low fat or fat free dairy
• Increase intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Make sure there is adequate nutritional intake
• Eat more nutrient dense foods vs. calorie dense foods
• Avoid excess salt, sugar, fat & alcohol
  
• Ensure proper fluid intake
• Maintain a healthy body weight and physical activity as able

 
When shopping at the grocery store, look for foods that fit these requirements. It’s easier to eat healthy when you don’t have unhealthy options around. Healthy eating is part of all we do here at Marin Luther Campus. In addition to our transitional care and assisted living apartments, our adult day clubs and stay by the day programs include healthy meals. Contact us to learn more.
 
Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that
needs assisted living? Call us at 952.888.7751.

When persons with dementia move into a memory care community, it can take from several weeks up to three months or more for the person to adjust and feel comfortable with the new environment and routine.  From my personal experience working with memory care residents at one assisted living for over a decade, I would say the average amount of time before the person settled in was no longer than a month.  Your loved one may be angry for a while, and may seem more confused than before.  This is a perfectly normal phase.  Rest assured, things will improve in time.  Here are ten tips to help ease the transition:

1.  If your loved one has limited short-term memory, it may be helpful to reassure them that staying in this new place is “temporary”, i.e., “just for the summer”, “just for a few months”.  Telling them, “The doctor wants you to stay for a little while” may work if the person has a very good relationship with their doctor, and if they tend to place their doctor on a pedestal.  “Stay for supper.  You have a reservation, and the meal’s already paid for” might also be an effective approach.        
2. Introduce your loved one to other residents and staff as though these people are already your friends.
3. Avoid explanations like “You’re here so they can take care of you.” A person with dementia may not think that he or she is sick.  Likewise, “This is your home now!” is probably the least comforting thing you can say to a person who feels out of place.  Instead of trying to argue with the person, focus on empathizing with their feelings, then distracting them.  “I know it’s   strange to be in a new place.  Hey, I hear they have a lovely patio – let’s find it!”  Or, “Of course you don’t like it yet.  You only just got here.  See how you feel in a few days! ” 
4. “I’ll help you get used to it” might be reassuring to your loved one, especially if you actually follow up on that.  Attend activities with your loved one, eat a meal with them and make conversation with their new “friends”.    
5. Decorate your loved one’s room with items that define who this person is. You want staff to be able to know something about them the minute they walk in the room.  An example might be a person whose hobby was making quilts. You could put a beautiful quilt on the bed or on the wall, and bring her sewing box with fabric pieces, yarn, thread (no pins) patterns, measuring tape, etc.)
6. Create familiarity in your loved one’s room by bringing their favorite chair or other significant familiar possessions.  Avoid photos from their recent past, (unless the photos are of grandchildren). Pictures of their mom and dad, or of you when you were a child, will be more relatable.  You could even write the names of the people under each photo to give staff members a good starting point for making conversation. 
7. Hang items on the wall at 5’ or below, wherever your loved one’s line of vision is. They need to be able to see and touch their belongings.
8. If allowable, distinguish the door to their room or apartment with their name or signature, hung about 4 feet up.  
9. If allowable, hang an 8 x 10 photo of when your loved one was much younger to the side of the door or place it in a Memory Box Cabinet.  This is a wonderful tool to help people with dementia identify where they live.  Many persons with dementia think of themselves as much younger than they actually are. Staff members will also benefit from seeing this photo, it reinforces that your loved one is a complete person who has lived a long and full life.  
10. Lastly, a tip for your benefit:  Please do not bring in items of great value that you would regret losing. Wedding rings often fall off fingers and get lost. Some residents with dementia are fond of giving things away. My own mother threw most of her valuable jewelry in the trash at one point.  Some families replace a wedding ring with a similar piece of costume jewelry in order to avoid losing that heirloom. Others simply promise their loved ones that they will keep it safe for them.

Many of these wonderful tips are taken from the wonderful guidebook, Moving a Relative with Memory Loss, by Laurie White and Beth Spencer, available through Whisp Publications, (http://dementiacarebooks.com/).