Getting older can come with a number of challenges, and as we age it’s likely that we’ll need assistance in our daily life. Moving to an assisted living facility can provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors who need extra support, giving a high quality of life back to our elderly loved ones. However, the transition to assisted living can be challenging for both seniors and their families, so in this guide we’ll discuss five simple tips to make the transition to a new residence as smooth as possible.
Plan Ahead and Involve Your Loved One
Planning ahead is essential when it comes to moving to assisted living. Talk to your loved one about their needs and preferences and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible. Consider touring different facilities together to get a sense of what features and amenities are available, as this can help your loved one feel more in control and reduce anxiety about the move. It’s also vital to remember that your own feelings are important during this process, and it’s normal to feel some guilt or sadness. Being open about your emotions with your loved one is the best way to move forward into assisted living peacefully.
Downsize and Declutter
Assisted living facilities are typically smaller than traditional homes, so downsizing and decluttering can be an important step in preparing for the move. Help your loved one to go through their belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. This can be an emotional process, especially if the move into assisted living is reactionary to the loss of your loved one’s partner or spouse, so be patient and supportive at all times.
Create a Familiar Environment
Creating a familiar environment to the one they’ve moved away from can help your loved one feel more comfortable in their new surroundings, so consider bringing some of their favorite items, including photos and ornaments, to decorate their new living space. This can help create a sense of continuity and familiarity, and remind your loved one that friends and family are always nearby. Seeing old photos can be very powerful for people with memory loss conditions, so encouraging this can be a significant step during the transition process.
Stay Connected
Moving to assisted living can be a big adjustment, but staying connected with family and friends can help your loved one feel less isolated, so you should encourage others to visit and stay in touch regularly. Some facilities may offer social events and activities, which can be a great way to meet new people and stay engaged. If you can, it’s best to choose an assisted living facility with links to a big city, such as the assisted living in Spring Meadows, which combines a small community feel with big city excitement and reduces the risk of residents feeling disconnected from society.
Take Advantage of Available Resources
Assisted living facilities can offer a wide range of resources and services to support seniors and their families. Make sure to take advantage of all available resources, as you never know when they might come in handy – many facilities also offer support groups and counseling services, which can be helpful for both seniors and their families during the transition period.
Moving to assisted living can be a challenging transition, but with the right strategies, seniors and their families can make the move as easy as possible. By planning ahead, choosing a facility that offers the very best in terms of care and amenities, and taking advantage of available resources, you can make a big difference to the life of your loved one during their twilight years – in their new environment, they’ll continue to live a bright and fulfilling life if you follow these top tips.