Welcoming someone with dementia to a new place can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can become a comforting experience rather than a stressful one. People living with dementia often find change confusing and unsettling because their sense of familiarity is deeply tied to their surroundings. When introducing them to a new environment—whether it’s moving into a new home, visiting somewhere unfamiliar, or traveling—it’s important to focus on creating calmness and familiarity.
First, try to make the space feel as familiar as possible. This might mean bringing along personal items that provide comfort—a favorite blanket, photos of loved ones, or familiar music playing softly in the background. These small touches help ground them and reduce feelings of anxiety or confusion.
It’s also essential for caregivers and family members to stay calm themselves because people with dementia are very sensitive to emotional cues from those around them. If you remain positive and patient, it helps your loved one feel more secure.
When planning visits or moves involving someone with dementia, flexibility is key. Even well-planned schedules may need adjusting if your loved one becomes overwhelmed or tired. Avoid rushing them through transitions; instead, allow plenty of time for breaks and gentle reassurance.
Communication should be simple and compassionate. Instead of correcting or arguing when they express confusion about where they are or what is happening—which can increase agitation—try redirecting their attention gently by talking about happy memories from the past that bring comfort.
Safety is another important consideration in any new environment for someone with dementia. Remove hazards like clutter that could cause falls and ensure spaces are easy to navigate without causing frustration due to poor lighting or confusing layouts.
If you’re traveling together, keep routines as consistent as possible by offering familiar snacks at usual times and maintaining regular rest periods during the day.
Finally, technology such as GPS trackers can provide peace of mind if wandering becomes a concern in unfamiliar places while still allowing some freedom within safe boundaries.
By focusing on calmness, familiarity, safety measures, patience in communication, and flexibility in plans when welcoming someone living with dementia into new surroundings—you create an environment where they feel supported rather than lost amid change.
