Moving your elderly parent into a senior living community can be an overwhelming experience. Time is usually very limited, and emotions can be high. Prepare emotionally for this experience by having the day planned, and your parent prepared.
To help families prepare for this time, we have prepared a brief guide and checklist, available for free. You can download our senior living move-in guide here. In addition to the guide, here a few tips to consider when preparing for the day.
Prepare for the day
It is important to minimize the stress of everyone involved in the transition. Moving an elderly parent is not a short process, so take the necessary time to pack and prepare for the move instead of transitioning right away. Also, by staying organized, you’re likely to avoid any chaos. If possible, pack with your parent. Prepare a plan together for the transition process and moving timeline. And do your best to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible, which helps to create a secure environment from your parent’s perspective.
Make the space comfortable
Remember to make your parent feel comfortable in the new home. Often, what makes a home feel familiar are the belongings found within. For this reason, it can be helpful to replicate the décor of the past home as much as possible in the new space. Put the same pictures up, keep your parent’s favorite books around, and use the same cozy blanket to adorn the living room chair.
Have heart
Deciding to move a loved one into a senior living facility can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never faced this type of situation before. With so much at stake, it can be difficult to stay confident in your decision. Remember why you chose the home you did. You not only considered financial needs, but also evaluated the events calendars, dining options, and enrichment programs. You’ve considered apartment types, staffing requirements, and medical needs.
Surround yourself with people you can lean on for support. After all, many families have been through very similar, if not the same, experiences you’re going through. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the communities you’re considering. They are experts in handling this challenging and transitional time.
For a thorough account of what to expect when moving and how to pack, download our senior living move-in guide.