The transition from independent to assisted living can be quite jarring, especially for seniors who love their independence. The process can also be stressful and worrisome for all those involved, although it will be most difficult for your loved one who is making the transition. Because of the emotions and difficulty involved in the transition, it is important to take steps to make it as smooth as possible. Here are a few tips that may help.
Have the Conversation Early
Although talking to a loved one about their future is not always easy, it is still an important conversation to have. Making them part of this conversation is very important because the change will have the biggest impact on them. Listen to their needs and try to note down or address as many concerns as possible. You can also involve them in the larger conversation about choosing the right assisted living facility.
Take Your Time Choosing a Community
Assisted living is usually a permanent living situation and this is why it is so important to take your time to choose the right one for your loved one. If you skip this step, you might find yourself moving your loved one from one facility to another until you find the right one. Put enough time into finding the right facility and community to avoid all this in the future.
It is also important to choose an assisted living facility that offers the services your loved one is likely to need in the future. Facilities like the McKnight Place assisted living community combine assisted living, memory care and nursing services so your loved one can get them in the same place if they ever need them. Facilities like these also usually have a very close community of seniors, something you should also be considering when choosing an assisted living facility for a loved one.
Pack Correctly
Packing while trying to downsize can be very difficult. It is important that you help your loved one pack things that they need the most as well as things that will make their new home feel familiar. This familiarity can help make the transition a lot easier.
Once you have packed and moved the items to the new home, it is time to make their new home feel like home again. Displaying sentimental objects and decorating the new home in a way that your loved one likes are all good ways of making it feel like home. Keep safety in mind when decorating the room, though, to ensure things like curtains do not become hazards.
Stay In Touch
It is common for people to feel abandoned once they move to an assisted living facility. This is why it is important to visit often and to even create a schedule for your visit. This will give your loved one peace of mind knowing that you will be available at a certain time every week.
Moving to an assisted living facility is already hard enough, so you should do everything you can to make the transition as smooth as possible. The transition can be made a lot easier with the support of family and loved ones.
