Removing Dementia Sufferers from Their Familiar Surroundings

Removing Dementia Sufferers from Their Familiar Surroundings

Transfer trauma, a condition that affects older adults, particularly those with dementia, a few days after moving from their private residence to a long-term care facility, can be minimized with careful planning and consideration. This trauma, coined by Tracy Greene Mintz in the context of dementia care, arises due to the distress, confusion, and behavioral symptoms that arise when a person with dementia is relocated.

The human brain constantly calculates the distance between itself and its surroundings, affecting how it perceives living space. This concept, known as lived space, includes walls, objects, and air. For a dementia patient, the way they perceive lived space can be different than a healthy individual. Understanding this concept is crucial to create a better living environment for dementia-affected individuals.

To create an air of familiarity in a new home, one can carry some old items, maintain similar wall colours and textures, and place objects in the same positions. Keeping the structure of the home simple aids wayfinding for a dementia patient. A common room where everyone can gather is beneficial for social interaction. Respecting the privacy of a dementia patient while also making it easy for them to find others to socialize with is important.

Safety and security are important considerations for an elderly person with dementia. It is necessary to educate everyone in the home about these concerns to ensure a safe and secure environment. Transfer Trauma can change the way a dementia patient interprets reality and can make them feel uneasy and unsafe in a new environment.

Mitigating transfer trauma during relocation involves several strategies. Bringing personal items such as photographs, familiar furniture, and belongings to the new environment helps create continuity and a sense of security. Gradually introducing the concept of relocation through conversations or visits to the new place can reduce shock. Keeping daily routines as stable as possible provides predictability that eases anxiety. Involving the individual in planning reduces feelings of loss of control. Environmental adjustments, such as setting up the new living space to resemble the old one in layout and cues, can support orientation. Occupational therapy support can aid in restoring routine and improving safety, thereby reducing confusion in the new setting. Caregivers should watch for anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes and provide reassurance and emotional support.

By implementing these approaches, caregivers and healthcare providers can reduce the negative impact of transfer trauma and promote smoother transitions for dementia patients. The book "Researching Lived Experience" delves into human experiences and perceptions, providing valuable insights into creating a supportive and familiar living space for those affected by dementia.

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