How do I help my Dad adjust to the assisted living facility?

There's little you can do to help your dad adjust. He has to adjust on his own. Ten days isn't really long enough for your dad to get acclimated. Give it some time.

Is he surrounded by the things he enjoys? A favorite throw or some family photos? See if you can give his apartment a homey feeling.

Moving is so stressful for elderly people and moving into a facility can be extremely difficult. There has to be a period of adjustment. Does the facility know that he's struggling? You might mention it to them, maybe someone can stop by and say hello to your dad from time to time until your dad gets settled.

One thing to remember: you have no control over your dad's behavior. If he wants to call 911 for chest pains let the ER check him out first before you go rushing to his side yet again, if you suspect his chest pain is a bid for attention. You have to have boundaries to stay sane and healthy yourself.

I think the Ativan will help him hopefully. There is a period of adjustment and it is difficult as the dementia progresses. I had been through same thing with my mother with respect to going to the hospital multiple times and finding nothing to be wrong. She went so many times, I had lost count. I would rush to the hospital to be there for her. However, I did not go every time to the hospital as it seemed to actually make things worse. She was always looking for attention - and this was very sad.

I was in touch with the ER doctor and nurses when I did not go to hospital. Most times, she was sent right back to the NH. I felt like I was becoming an enabler - as this attention is what she wanted. She eventually seemed better if I did not go... I felt bad about not going as well; but it helped her realize that I was not coming when this happened. And she eventually stopped as the hospital trips for no good reason were exhausting and she finally calmed down.

Hugs to you across the miles... Take care

My mother was helped most by seeing a geriatric psychiatrist who has her on antidepressant therapy and a low dose of klonopin for anxiety. The problem with prob meds and the elderly/infirm/dementia pts is that they often can't identify anxiety as what they are feeling. My mom always though she'd got a uti or high bp, when in fact it was generalized anxiety.