Summer Moves & Dementia: Easing the Transition
May 27, 2026 | Family Caregiver Support
Every June, the Cohen family faced the same challenge: helping their mother Sarah, who was living with dementia, transition from her winter home in Florida to the family’s summer home in Connecticut. What once felt exciting had become confusing and emotional for her. She asked repeatedly, “When are we going home?”
Families often don’t realize that for someone with dementia, a seasonal move can feel deeply disorienting. But with thoughtful planning, these transitions can become much smoother.
A few simple strategies can make a big difference:
- Begin talking about the move several weeks ahead of time using photos and familiar stories.
- Recreate the same bedroom setup in both homes with favorite blankets, lamps, and family pictures.
- Travel during the person’s calmest time of day and avoid overstimulation.
- Keep routines consistent once you arrive — meals, medications, TV programs, and sleep schedules all matter.
- Most importantly, expect a short adjustment period and lead with reassurance, not correction.
- Plan on having a trusted back-up care resource
One daughter told me something beautiful after her mother finally settled into her Connecticut summer home: “She may not remember the house, but somehow her heart remembered the feeling of joy, connection and safety there.”
If your family is planning a seasonal move and could benefit from extra support, Holistic HomeCare Associates can help with expert transition consulting and experienced hourly or live-in caregivers who understand the unique needs of individuals living with dementia, helping families create smoother, safer, and more comforting transitions every step of the way.