Moving a loved one to assisted living can be a difficult decision for many. However, due to reasons like full-time jobs, childcare responsibilities, or the need for professional medical care for your parents, this decision is often made with their best interests in mind. Regardless of the reason, moving to assisted living is a big change for your loved ones and it may be difficult for them to adjust especially if they are used to living independently. As their family member, you can do your part to make their transition smooth and simple. Check out these five tips to ease your parent’s move to assisted living!
Understanding Assisted Living
In an assisted living community, residents receive custodial care where assistance with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, dressing, or moving around will be given by trained community team members. Some assisted living communities also have a professional team that provides memory care for loved ones who exhibit signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Once you understand what assisted living is and what it entails, you can better prepare yourself and your loved one for the move.
Engage Your Loved One in Conversations about Assisted Living
It is extremely important to ensure that your loved ones feel included in conversations about their living situations. You don’t want them to feel like they are a burden or that they have no autonomy over the decisions made in their lives. Some topics that you should discuss with your parents include their needs and concerns about moving into an assisted living community. To quell any worries they may have, try focusing on the benefits they can receive in assisted living.
Visit Assisted Living Communities
It is often easier to make decisions when you know what to expect. Visiting the assisted living community allows you and your loved one to assess if the environment is suitable for them. Factors like the atmosphere, geography, climate, and people in the community can be key aspects in decision-making. Speaking with the residents can also give your loved ones a more intimate understanding of day-to-day life in the community.
Encourage Your Loved One to Get Involved
Assisted living communities often hold fun social events to build community spirit amongst residents and encourage socialization. This can be an excellent opportunity for your loved ones to get to know their neighbors better. As they make new friends in the community, they are more likely to settle in faster which will make their transition easier. Friends can be a strong pillar of support and a great source of fun!
Bring Your Loved One’s Favorite Items
Just because it is an assisted living community, it doesn’t mean it cannot feel like home. Bringing personal items and decorations with sentimental value along can help your loved ones’ settle into their new environment. Pictures, pillows, personal sheets, and hand-drawn art are just some of the things that can make their new homes feel familiar and comforting.
Moving and adjusting to any new environment is never easy. Luckily, with these five tips, you can help make your loved ones’ transition smooth and easy. Since different people respond to situations differently, always remember to keep your loved ones’ needs and preferences in mind.
