After you have decided to move your older parent or senior loved one to assisted living, it’s natural to feel anxious and apprehensive about the process of downsizing and moving. Luckily, there are ways to ease the transition to assisted living for your parent or senior loved one. Follow our helpful tips to make the move to assisted living as smooth as possible for your family.
Start downsizing right away
Once you’ve decided to move your parent or loved one to assisted living and selected an assisted living community, resist the temptation to delay the process of downsizing their current residence. Downsizing can be a complicated and emotional, especially if your loved one has accumulated a lifetime of belongings in their home. Start early and create a plan to tackle one room at a time to make the downsizing process easier and less stressful for everyone involved.
Make their new space feel like home
While many older adults choose to furnish their assisted living suite with brand new furniture, it’s a good idea to incorporate some decorations and home accessories from your loved one’s previous home into their new space. Bring personal items that have a special meaning to your loved one, such as pictures, blankets, books, and keepsakes. Decorating their new space with familiar belongings will help your parent or loved one feel as comfortable and safe as they did at home.
Encourage your loved one to socialize
Once your parent or older loved one moves, encourage him or her to participate in their assisted living community’s social events and activities. Most communities have a calendar full of fun activities, events, and outings to suit any interest including art classes, book clubs, card clubs, group fitness classes and much more! Getting involved is an excellent way for your parent or loved one to “break the ice,” meet their new neighbors, and make friends.
Schedule regular family visits
After your loved one moves to assisted living, it’s important for family members to schedule visits on a regular basis to help ease the transition. While you should give your loved one enough space to adjust to their new home and get involved in the community’s activities, knowing when to expect your visits will provide them with a sense of comfort and familiarity.
