If it’s time to move your parent or other loved one into Assisted Living,, preparation is your best friend. Making the move can be a difficult time not just for the person moving, but also for you and your whole family. Your parent might be concerned they’re giving up their independence or won’t be comfortable with their lifestyle in their new community home. Use these expert transitioning tips to help put them at ease and make their move an exciting event, rather than a stressful burden.
What to Expect Moving Your Loved One to Assisted Living
The goal of Assisted Living is to help seniors maximize their independence by taking care of the elements of their day-to-day life that have become a challenge. In a nurturing and engaging community environment, older adults can more easily put their time and energy into the things that bring them joy and fulfillment. Having a reliable network of people to support and look after your loved one on a daily basis makes sense today more than ever. Finding the right Assisted Living community can often be a welcome relief for the entire family – letting family members step out of the caregiver relationship and back into relationships that have always connected you to one another.
As you prepare for your loved one’s move to Assisted Living, here are some general things to consider:
- Moving from one’s longtime home is an emotional experience, so continuously reassure your loved one that this move is for the best. Focus on all the wonderful new services, amenities, and opportunities to make new friends in their new community. Be understanding, listen to their concerns, and let them know you’ll always be there for them.
- Some family members may not initially see the value in Assisted Living, so try to get everyone involved on the same page and help them realize why moving will be best for your loved one.
- Learn about residents’ daily schedules and what their lifestyle is like so your loved one has a better idea of what to expect. It’s a good idea to make multiple visits to the community with your loved one to make them feel as comfortable as possible in what will soon be their new home. Meet other residents, talk with community team members, try out the dining options, and walk through the residence where your loved one will be living.
Planning For Health Care Needs
Transferring your loved one’s medical information to their new community is an important step in the moving process. Work with the Assisted Living team and keep these tips in mind to help it all go smoothly.
- Take your loved one to get a physical from their current primary care physician and inform the physician about the upcoming move. Make sure all medical records are transferred to the new community and get copies for yourself. Connect your loved one’s physician with the Assisted Living community for any future medical needs.
- Consult with the new community about your loved one’s medication schedule and any other care requirements.
- Try to speak with doctors and specialists at the new community. Ask them about plans in case of emergencies, what their relationship is with local hospitals, and what other medical services the community caregivers provide if needed.
Packing Tips
As you start packing up for the big move, you and your loved one are sure to be full of emotion and nostalgia. Use these packing tips to help alleviate as much tension as possible and help you be as prepared as possible for move-in day.
- Prior to packing for the move, be sure to measure your loved one’s new space in the senior living community to help determine which pieces of furniture, decorations, and other items can fit in their new space.
- Consider hiring a moving service or inquire about moving assistance programs provided by the community. As with any move, the goal should be to make it as stress-free and seamless as possible. Hiring professionals is a great first step.
- Downsizing your loved one’s belongings can be an emotional and overwhelming venture. The best thing you can do is start the process as soon as possible, so’ll be that much more prepared when moving day arrives. Be sure to involve them as much as possible throughout the process. Begin downsizing by going room by room, sorting items into five categories:
- Keep – These are must-have items that are meaningful and will make their new home feel comfortable and familiar.
- Share – Giving household or treasured items to friends and relatives can make your loved one feel more comfortable with letting them go.
- Donate – Let gently used clothing, household items and furniture serve others in need.
- Recycle – Reduce waste by recycling as much as possible.
- Trash – Anything that doesn’t fit into the other four categories can be thrown out.
As you pack up, decide which items are most important – both in terms of health care and items sentimentally important to your loved one – and pack those first. Prioritize items such as medications, toiletries, clothing, bedding, family heirlooms, photographs, and any other items your loved one will be bringing with them.
Logistical Checklist
In all the commotion of moving, it can be easy to miss the small details of finalizing the move. Be sure to check off these logistical to-do’s before your loved one moves out of their current home:
- Notify USPS, Social Security, friends and family, and all other necessary parties of your loved one’s change of address.
- Give all utilities and service providers a disconnect notice ahead of the move.
- Transfer prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy or ask the Assisted Living community if a pharmacy is on-site.
- Confirm with the new community that all necessary paperwork is properly complete.
- Ask the community to send you and other family members keypad entry codes, resident portal login information, and any other information you’ll need to communicate and visit with your loved one.
Making a Smooth Move to Assisted Living at Friendship Village
If you love someone who needs extra help, and your hands are already full, Friendship Village is here for you. Our Assisted services in our Chesterfield and Sunset Hills communities will work with you and your family to find the ideal balance of assistance and independence for residents. Our team members are fully focused on making your loved one feel right at home in their new space and making the transition as easy as possible for your whole family. Contact us today through our website to schedule a personal visit and experience our approach to assisted living for yourself.