5 Ways to Make the Transition to Senior Living Smooth and Simple
Taking the dive into senior living could bring up a lot of stress and emotion, but the key is to keep in mind that this is a new and exciting adventure that will make life happier and healthier for everyone. While working through this transition, here are a few tips on how to keep moving into a senior living community as smooth and simple as possible.
- Have Everyone Take a Tour
Be sure everyone takes a tour of each senior living facility before choosing a home. This will ensure everyone is comfortable with the move, knows visiting times, and stays up-to-date on what activities to take part in when your loved one settles in. During your tour, make sure you visit the actual living space to determine its size and start thinking about what items your loved one can bring with them.
- Start a Checklist of What to Pack
Talk to the team at the senior living community to figure out what needs to be brought and what should be left at home for move-in day. This can include decorations, like lamps and curtains, and may also include supplies for some activities (think: paint or paper for crafts and writing). Create a checklist to make sure everything is packed and ready to go ahead of time.
After you know exactly what needs to be packed, now would be a great time to get rid of some items that you or your loved one don’t need anymore. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you need to say goodbye to major items that may be needed in the future. Think about mementos that should be passed down to family. For everyday items that the senior living community provides, consider donating or recycling the ones that you have. If you’re still unsure of what to donate, pass down, or recycle, consider purchasing a storage unit to hold your items.
- Take Advantage of All the Activities
Engaging in programs and activities that the senior living facility has to offer beforehand will give everyone the opportunity to feel more comfortable with the transition and provide the opportunity to meet future neighbors. This can also give you a feel for the culture of the community and whether or not the events and activities will fit your family’s needs.
- Whittle Down to the Essentials
Prevent your loved one from worrying about what’s going to happen to their house. Take responsibility by managing the home or consider selling it if you can’t keep up with the maintenance.
- Try to Move as Much as You Can Before Move-In Day
Most senior living communities will allow you to bring things to the facility before the official move-in day. Try and take as much as you can beforehand so that the day of move-in is carved out as a peaceful and stress-free time. Once you have everything ready to go in your loved one’s new community, all that is left to do is to allow them to sit back and enjoy their new lifestyle.
