For many seniors, the thought of moving to a new home in an assisted living community is an intimidating one. Resistance to the idea is very common as it’s a big adjustment, filled with worries and anxiety – which is perfectly natural! Even when the decision is in their very best interests, it can stir up a lot of “what if” scenarios. What if this isn’t the right choice for me? What if I don’t receive the right care? What if I don’t meet any new friends?
If you’re unsure about
how to calm your parents’ worries about community life, here are some tips on
how to manage the process of moving to assisted living.
#1 – Find the right
senior community
Research is everything
when you’re looking for an assisted living community that’s the right fit for
your parent. It’s important to look online and visit in person while
considering the following aspects:
- If the community is a good fit for
your parent’s interests and personality
- If the location is ideal in terms of
proximity to your loved one’s family and friends
- If the community can cater to their
present and future care needs
- The cleanliness and maintenance of
the buildings and gardens
- The professionalism, friendliness,
and helpfulness of the staff
- The cost of
services and the community’s pricing model
#2 – Try it out in
person
First, visit the
assisted living community of your choice on your own or with a friend or family
member. Evaluate it from your loved one’s eyes, as well as your own to see how
well they are suited to the community. Consider what they would like most about
it, and how the care services and amenities would benefit them. Then, if it’s
possible, tour it with your parents after talking to them about it. Make it a
calm and relaxing visit where they can ask questions, see the living
arrangements for themselves, have a meal, and talk with other residents.
If it’s suitable, you
may be able to introduce them to the community on a trial basis by utilizing
their onsite respite care services. Through respite, they will live in the
community as if they are full-time residents, getting appropriate care
services, participating in events, and trying out the amenities for themselves.
#3 – Give your parents
a sense of control
The process of moving
into assisted living can make your parents feel as if they are giving up their
independence and control over their lives, so it’s important to encourage them
to participate in the selection and moving process as much as possible. For
example, they can choose how their apartment is decorated, and what personal
items will be kept or sold, and you can take them shopping to choose new items
for the space.
It’s also important to
read through the services beforehand and have them weigh in on optional
services (for example, more independent seniors may still want to cook their
own food rather than eat all of their meals in the restaurant). Write up a
calendar of when housekeeping services occur, introduce them to the associates
who will care for them, and let them choose activities and events to sign up
for.
Also, keep reassuring
them about the positive aspects of the move, that you will be there to help
them settle in, and that you and other loved ones will visit frequently.
#4 – Pack carefully
and methodically
Set priorities for
what should be packed and try to stagger the moving process. If possible, have
a moving service assist you and have your parents stay at a loved one’s house
while you get everything ready. After repainting or making any changes to the
new apartment, move in any appropriate heavy furniture first, followed by
important items like toiletries, medication, clothing, linen, and small
appliances. Then, add decorative touches that make it feel like home, including
photographs, artwork, and sentimental antiques.
While you are packing,
plan to cancel services to the house (utilities, telephone, internet, and
cable) and add their new address for bank accounts, credit cards,
subscriptions, and other mail. Remember to keep records of all moving expenses,
as they’re tax-deductible.
#5 – Celebrate this
new stage of life together
Moving to a great
assisted living community like The Shores is nothing to be sad about! Like any
move, you should celebrate this new stage of life with your parents. Organize a
fun family movie night at their apartment, bring everyone along to participate
in community events, and explore the amenities together. This is a big move for
your parents, but it’s one that delivers great quality of life and care, so
take it slow and help them settle in however you can. One great idea is to have
friends and family to drop in on a regular basis, which will give your parents
a lot to look forward to and make them feel secure in this decision.
Visit UMC at The
Shores and see how wonderful assisted living can be!
The Shores is a
beautiful community offering assisted
living in South Jersey. Our team is passionate about helping seniors live
full and rewarding lives in a safe and welcoming environment. With a great
calendar of events and social activities, some of the best dining in town, and
spacious apartment-style living, we’re the best place to be for senior living.
To find out more about
assisted living at The Shores, give us a call or visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/
Original blog posted
on https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/five-tips-for-transitioning-to-assisted-living/
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