Recent research found that having a person with Alzheimer's attend adult day care prior to moving into a facility helps avoid the rapid cognitive decline which usually occurs during this type of move. You can read a more descriptive article at: Transitioning to a facility



Dear Everfit,
Thank you for sharing the article. Most caregivers need all the help they can find when dealing with issues that surround transitions to a residential facility. Our team frequently counsels callers on how to prepare a reluctant loved one for the move. Some caregivers have tried a technique that involves discussing the new arrangements daily. They have found that, even though the loved one declares refusal during each and every discussion, they are more accepting when the time actually arrives. This is presumably because they have participated in the planning. You can use hypothetical questions to engage their participation, such as "I know you say you won't go, but if you ever did, what photographs would you take to put on your dresser?"
We strongly endorse social adult day programs for persons living at home. Their beneficial features -- such as engagement in activities and socialization - should improve functioning and prepare a person for transition. The idea reported in the news article you cited -- to use adult day programs to prepare persons for transition--sounds very promising. You will also find an article on adult day programs in care ADvantage AFA's free quarterly magazine for caregivers.