They may have cared for you your whole life. They may have been a source of comfort for years. This person may simply be a beloved member of the family. No matter how you are connected to your seniors, helping them in their golden years to live their best possible life is a gift. For some elderly members of the family, this means transitioning into assisted living for their benefit. Sometimes these transitions are emotional or difficult. But with preparation and love, you can help your family member become excited and comfortable with the coming change. Here are a few ways you can help prepare for a transition into assisted living.
Choosing the Right Community
There are numerous facilities to choose from across the country when it comes to assisted living. The most important decision is choosing the facility that is right for your Senior. Some factors to consider might include the size of the community, living expenses, or proximity in location to other family members. When choosing a community, be as hands-on as possible. This includes speaking with staff, touring facilities, and mingling with residents whenever possible. This ensures you and your loved one know exactly what living there will look like and what you can expect.
Considering Logistics
As mundane as it may sound, logistics are important when moving at any age. Consider what utilities or services will need to be terminated such as electricity, cable, and internet. For the sake of your Senior, it is also important to make the packing and moving of belongings as stress-free as possible. While it is important to keep sentimental items, pack with their new home and allotted space in mind. In some cases assisted living facilities do offer moving services to new residents to make the transition more streamlined.
Working Within Their Timeline
Moving to a new home can evoke many emotions and reactions from an elderly person. Whether they have lived in their current home for decades or have built memories with family members in their home, leaving it behind can cause apprehension and anxiety. These feelings are perfectly normal for not only seniors but people of any age. Make sure to be respectful of their feelings, fears, and the adjustment period. For some, the period of adjustment may be brief. For others adjusting to a new lifestyle and home may take quite some time. Help your Seniors by being emotionally supportive, creating a circle of people for them to turn to, and meeting the new neighbors. Forming bonds and friendships with other people in assisted living can give your loved one a sense of community and belong in their new home.
While this is not an exhaustive list of relocating into assisted living, these are important steps for any family to take. With these tips in mind, you can help your beloved family member make a smooth and happy transition into assisted living.
