Before the move
- Share a short life story with the home: routines, favorite foods, music, what calms them, what upsets them.
- Set up the room before they arrive, with familiar bedding, photos, and a favorite chair.
- Get the paperwork done early: the physician's report, a TB test, and a full medication list.
- Pick a time of day when your parent is usually at their best, often late morning.
What to say
Keep it simple and positive. Long explanations and debates rarely help someone with dementia, and can increase anxiety. Many families talk about it as a place where people will help them, or a new place to stay for now. Follow the lead of your parent's doctor and the home's staff, who have done this many times.
Moving day
Have one or two calm family members there, not the whole family. Stay for a meal if the home suggests it, then leave without a long goodbye. A quick, warm exit is usually easier than a drawn-out one.
The first weeks
Expect some confusion, asking to go home, or tearfulness. Most people settle over several weeks. Ask the home how they want you to handle visits early on. Some suggest short, frequent visits, others a brief pause while your parent adjusts.
Reviewed October 2, 2026. General information, not medical or legal advice. Talk with your loved one's doctor about their health.