Moving from a longtime private home to a memory care community is more than just a physical relocation—it’s a life-changing transition for both your loved one and your entire family. This decision, often made when living independently becomes unsafe or overwhelming, is full of emotional and logistical layers. But with thoughtful planning, practical steps, and deep compassion, this move can also be the start of a safer, more supported chapter.

At St. Ives Hometown Living of Johns Creek, we know that honoring a loved one’s needs while navigating this transition isn’t easy. This guide is here to help you approach the process with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

Understanding the Purpose of Memory Care

Unlike traditional assisted living, memory care is designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Communities like St. Ives provide specialized support through trained staff, secure layouts to prevent wandering, and structured daily routines that foster calm and comfort.

This move isn’t about loss—it’s about ensuring your loved one receives the personalized care they deserve in a space built to meet their needs with dignity.

Decluttering with Care: Downsizing with Empathy

Years of cherished memories often come with years of accumulated belongings. Downsizing can be an emotional process for families—and even more so for someone living with memory impairment. The key is to prioritize comfort, familiarity, and function.

Start with a floor plan. Knowing the dimensions of your loved one’s new space will help you decide what to bring and what to let go. Most memory care rooms are compact by design—encouraging simplicity, ease of navigation, and minimal overstimulation.

Bring items that:

• Provide emotional comfort (like a favorite chair, blanket, or framed photos)
• Are safe and appropriate for a memory care setting
• Serve a daily functional purpose
  
  

Involve your loved one in decisions only as much as is helpful and emotionally safe for them. And consider bringing in a senior move specialist with experience in dementia care to assist with the process.

What to Do With Everything Else

Once you've identified the essentials, decide how to handle the rest:

• Donate to local charities—often a meaningful option
• Gift to family or close friends to keep sentimental items in the family
• Sell via yard sales, consignment, or online platforms
• Dispose of anything that’s broken or no longer usable

Taking time to process each decision helps ease the emotional burden and ensures that this process is rooted in intention and care.

Plan for the Physical Move

The moving day itself matters. Consider working with a mover who specializes in senior relocations—they often offer packing services and bring extra sensitivity to the process.

Coordinate closely with your memory care community on:

• The move-in date and time
• Preferred times for arrivals
• Whether there’s an acclimation period before visiting
• Suggestions for how to make the first day feel warm and supportive
  
  

Pack a "first day" bag with essentials like:

• Toiletries
• A change of comfortable clothes
• Medications
• Familiar snacks
• A cherished comfort item
  
  

This small gesture can bring immense peace during an otherwise unfamiliar day.

Be Gentle—With Them and With Yourself

This transition can stir up many emotions. Your loved one might feel confused, resistant, or even upset—and you might, too. It’s okay. These feelings are natural. What matters most is your intention: helping them find comfort, safety, and a new place to thrive.

At St. Ives, our team becomes an extension of your family. From day one, we’re here to offer consistency, connection, and care in a setting designed to help your loved one flourish. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Need Help Making the Transition? We’re Here for You.

If you're preparing to move a loved one into memory care, we’d be honored to walk alongside you. From personalized planning advice to community tours and move-in coordination, the St. Ives team is ready to support you every step of the way.

Connect with us today to speak with our team or schedule a tour. Let us help make this next chapter a meaningful and supported one—for your loved one and for your whole family.

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