Why Moving Before the Holidays May Be the Best Gift

A Message to Families Considering Memory Care

If you're exploring memory care options for a loved one, you're likely facing one of the most difficult decisions of your life. And if you're thinking, "Maybe we should wait until after the holidays"—you're not alone. Many families feel the same way.

The holidays are meant to be joyful, spent together in familiar surroundings. The thought of disrupting that with a major transition can feel overwhelming, even heartbreaking. It's completely understandable to want to postpone such a significant change.

But what if moving before the holidays could actually give your family—and your loved one—a better, more peaceful season?

Why Families Often Wait (And Why That's Understandable)

There are several reasons families choose to delay a move to memory care until after the holidays:

Emotional attachment to tradition. The holidays carry deep meaning, and families want to preserve familiar routines and celebrations for as long as possible.

Guilt and worry. Many adult children feel they would be "abandoning" their parent during a time meant for togetherness, or that the transition would add stress to an already emotional season.

Hope that things will improve. When a loved one is struggling, it's natural to hope that with a little more time or support, the situation will stabilize on its own.

Overwhelm. Between holiday preparations, work obligations, and family gatherings, adding a major life transition to the mix can feel like too much to handle.

These concerns are valid. But they're also worth examining more closely—because waiting may not always serve your loved one's best interests.

Why This Year Could Be Different

While it may seem counterintuitive, there are compelling reasons why a move to memory care before the holidays can be a gift to everyone involved.

1. A Fresh Start in a Calmer Environment

The holiday season, while beautiful, can also be chaotic and overstimulating—especially for someone living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Large gatherings, schedule changes, and sensory overload can increase confusion, anxiety, and agitation. Moving to a memory care community beforehand allows your loved one to settle into a calm, predictable routine before the holiday rush begins. By the time celebrations arrive, they'll already feel more comfortable and secure in their new home.

2. More Meaningful Holiday Celebrations

When your loved one is settled and receiving professional care, you can shift from being the primary caregiver to simply being their family again. Instead of managing medications, safety concerns, and daily care tasks during the holidays, you can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time together. You'll be able to visit, share meals, and participate in holiday activities without the weight of caregiving responsibilities on your shoulders.

3. Professional Support During a Challenging Time

The holidays can be emotionally and physically demanding for family caregivers. If your loved one is struggling with memory loss, managing their care alongside holiday obligations can lead to caregiver burnout, stress, and even health issues. A memory care community provides around-the-clock professional support, giving you the respite you need to recharge and be fully present for your family.

4. Safety and Peace of Mind

Winter brings additional safety concerns—icy walkways, cold temperatures, and shorter days that can increase confusion and wandering behaviors. A specialized memory care environment is designed to keep your loved one safe and secure, with trained staff who know how to respond to changing needs. You'll have peace of mind knowing they're in capable, caring hands.

5. Avoiding the January Crisis

Many families who wait until after the holidays find themselves facing a crisis in January—when exhaustion, illness, or a safety incident forces an emergency placement. Moving under those circumstances is far more stressful for everyone involved. A planned transition before the holidays allows time for adjustment, questions, and emotional processing in a more controlled, thoughtful way.

Take Advantage of Year-End Savings

At The Laurel at Vernon Hills, we understand that the financial aspect of memory care is also a consideration. That's why we're offering exceptional End of Year Specials to families who make this important decision before December 31.

Save up to $1,000 monthly with our reduced rates, and enjoy half-off the $4,000 community fee for a limited time. That adds up to $12,000 in annual savings—resources that can be redirected toward other needs or simply provide financial relief during an expensive time.

But beyond the savings, what you're really gaining is peace of mind, professional care, and the ability to focus on what matters most: being present with your loved one.

What Sets The Laurel's Memory Care Apart

Moving a loved one to memory care is never easy. That's why our experienced team is here to walk alongside you with compassion, expertise, and personalized support every step of the way.

Here's what makes The Laurel at Vernon Hills different:

A safe, nurturing environment designed specifically for memory loss. Our community is purpose-built for residents living with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other forms of memory impairment, with thoughtful design elements that reduce confusion and promote independence.

Highly trained staff who specialize in dementia care. Our caregivers receive specialized training in dementia care techniques, communication strategies, and person-centered approaches. They understand the unique challenges of memory loss and know how to provide compassionate, dignified support.

Customized care plans tailored to each resident. We recognize that every person's journey with memory loss is different. That's why we create individualized care plans that honor your loved one's preferences, history, routines, and needs.

Daily life-enrichment activities that foster connection, purpose, and joy. Our activities are designed not just to fill time, but to engage residents in meaningful ways—whether through music, art, movement, reminiscence, or simply spending time together.

At The Laurel, memory care is about more than support. It's about belonging. Every resident is treated with warmth, dignity, and respect—because they deserve nothing less.

Make the Move with Confidence

If you've been putting off this decision, waiting for the "right time," we want you to know: there may never be a perfect moment. But there can be a better moment—one where you act with intention, planning, and support rather than out of crisis.

This holiday season, consider giving your family the gift of peace. Give your loved one the gift of safety, connection, and professional care. And give yourself the gift of knowing you made a thoughtful, loving decision during a difficult time.

Our team at The Laurel at Vernon Hills is ready to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you navigate this transition with confidence and compassion.

Let's make this season one of hope, not just waiting.

Contact The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care today by calling us at (224)970-2788 to learn more about our End of Year Specials and schedule a personal tour.
Move in by December 31 to take advantage of up to $12,000 in annual savings.

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