After two decades of working with individuals living with dementia, Katie Lamar began noticing signs of the condition in her mother. With a family history of Alzheimer’s, Lamar and her sister organized their mother’s care and financial affairs. They realized their mother needed to move when she began missing medication and not maintaining her home. To ease the transition, they told her the move would bring her closer to family, which helped preserve her sense of autonomy.

Finding a suitable living arrangement took time and included multiple tours, during which their mother expressed strong opinions about the locations. Eventually, they chose a place that suited her needs and style. To make her feel at home, they decorated her new apartment similarly to her old one.

Initially, the adjustment was challenging, with their mother expressing a desire to return home. However, she gradually adapted to her new environment, becoming happier and more social. Now thriving in Independent Living, she receives better diabetes management and enjoys her community, earning the nickname ‘social butterfly.’ Despite the ongoing challenges of dementia, Lamar finds comfort in knowing her mother is in a safe and supportive place.