A senior’s biggest transition in their later years is from living independently to living in an assisted living community. This phase is stressful for everyone concerned, especially the seniors. However, you can make the process easier if you participate and reduce anxiety.
Choose the Right Facility
Research and tour several assisted living communities in your neighborhood. This will help you see the amenities and social activities. Don’t rush into making a decision. Start early to get time to ask questions concerning the leadership, staff, and caregivers. Also, check online reviews or ask the residents how they feel in the community, and check cleanliness and staff friendliness. If in doubt, follow your gut.
Compare Living Costs
When looking for a facility, consider the community’s pricing model. For some, a monthly fee covers everything, and for others, the cost varies depending on the level of care your loved ones receive. Regardless, choose a facility with affordable rates within your budget.
Tour the Area
It doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the facility and its residents before moving in. Look for the time to explore the place with your loved ones, attend a community event or eat in the dining room.
Pack Efficiently
First, see if the community offers packing services. Getting help with moving will ease the transition to an assisted facility. When parking, make a list and start with the priorities, such as medication, toiletries, clothing, furniture, and bedding. After priorities, pack other smaller items that may be necessary.
Involve Your Senior
Involve your loved ones as much as possible in the research and facility tours. Although they may be reluctant to be involved, try to engage them by discussing the facility’s location, amenities, and apartment size. However, take charge of financial matters and paperwork and show them you are comfortable catering to the services.
Take Care of Housekeeping Utilities
When moving to an assisted facility, take care of utilities. Cancel ongoing services like the internet and utilities at home. Contact the postal service to have mail forwarded to their new address and update bank accounts, magazine subscriptions, and credit cards.
Understanding That Transition Is Difficult
There may still be concerns, no matter how ready you are for your loved one. Such feelings are normal when making a big move. Reach out to your friends for help. In addition, encourage your loved ones to talk about their fears to help them overcome them. Even if they seem sad, understand that emotional transitions take time.
Organize the New Living Space
Making your loved ones feel at home is a great way to help them adjust. Arrange furniture, decorations, and pictures as in the previous home and allow them to give out suggestions. Creating a functional and appealing living space will help ease the transition.
Visit Regularly
Isolation from loved ones is one of the common fears of seniors when contemplating living in an assisted living and memory care facility. Schedule frequent visits to help ease these worries and track your loved one’s progress. If the facility forbids visits, look for another.
Keep In Touch With the Staff
Ensure you meet the staff before joining the facility. This way, your loved ones will feel familiar with the people taking care of them. The staff will also reassure you that your senior will be well cared for. Keep constant communication to know the progress of your loved one.
Encourage Your Loved Ones To Participate in Community Events
Social programs are one of the major advantages of assisted living communities. Check the resident’s calendar and encourage your loved ones to engage in social activities. Make sure to attend social events as a show of support for your loved ones.
Although many seniors would prefer to spend their golden years at home, it is not always the case, and some have to move to an assisted living home. However, you can ease the transition by being present and involving the seniors from the first step.