Moving is stressful for all of us, but it can be particularly difficult for senior citizens moving out of their present home and into an assisted living facility. While there are certainly many advantages to assisted living, the move and the first weeks in the new place can be challenging. Here are a few tips that might make the process smoother for you or your loved one.
Obviously, the first step after making the decision to move is to find a suitable assisted living community. If you have friends already living in a facility that they enjoy, this can be a very strong recommendation. In addition, you can use a service such as CarePlacement.com which can match your needs and a budget to an assisted living facility in your area. Staying near family and friends is always a good idea, so look for facilities that make visiting as easy as possible.
After the selection process is done and you have found the right place, it's time to pack up what you need and make decisions about what you cannot bring to the facility. Assisted living apartments generally consist of two main rooms plus a bathroom, so while you can bring your bed, a small dresser, couch and coffee table, most furnishings and possessions won't fit. This can be very upsetting, and if you are helping someone decide what to do with their belongings, compassion is key. There are a lot of memories associated with our belongings and it can be extremely difficult to part with some items.
It's sometimes best to simply begin with the easy stuff. Get rid of items that typically have little emotional connection, such as appliances and items that are never used. Your parent might want to give a few items away to relatives or friends, and this can be a wonderful and treasured gift. If the whole process truly is too overwhelming, simply carefully pack up items that are not needed, label them well and then put them into a self-storage facility. Rather than worry or argue, just keep some of the most precious items and make decisions later. This process might be easier once your loved one has adjusted to the new home.
Be sure to take photo books and items such as handmade quilts or even curtains and a few decorative items from home. This makes the new apartment much more welcoming. Keep in mind, that while this transition can be difficult, the whole point of assisted living is to make life easier. With housekeeping and less space to manage, residents can spend more time doing what they like and less time dealing with daily chores.
Assisted living communities vary, but generally they offer a variety of activities, classes and other amenities. The whole idea is that the community should be a fun place to be, but while the social aspect is important, residents need to spend time with friends and family that don't live in the facility. Set up visiting times and plan special events, even if it's just going out to dinner or to the movies. If you are the child of a resident, come and eat lunch or dinner and spend some time getting to know staff members as well as any new friends your parents make.
Obviously, the first step after making the decision to move is to find a suitable assisted living community. If you have friends already living in a facility that they enjoy, this can be a very strong recommendation. In addition, you can use a service such as CarePlacement.com which can match your needs and a budget to an assisted living facility in your area. Staying near family and friends is always a good idea, so look for facilities that make visiting as easy as possible.
After the selection process is done and you have found the right place, it's time to pack up what you need and make decisions about what you cannot bring to the facility. Assisted living apartments generally consist of two main rooms plus a bathroom, so while you can bring your bed, a small dresser, couch and coffee table, most furnishings and possessions won't fit. This can be very upsetting, and if you are helping someone decide what to do with their belongings, compassion is key. There are a lot of memories associated with our belongings and it can be extremely difficult to part with some items.
It's sometimes best to simply begin with the easy stuff. Get rid of items that typically have little emotional connection, such as appliances and items that are never used. Your parent might want to give a few items away to relatives or friends, and this can be a wonderful and treasured gift. If the whole process truly is too overwhelming, simply carefully pack up items that are not needed, label them well and then put them into a self-storage facility. Rather than worry or argue, just keep some of the most precious items and make decisions later. This process might be easier once your loved one has adjusted to the new home.
Be sure to take photo books and items such as handmade quilts or even curtains and a few decorative items from home. This makes the new apartment much more welcoming. Keep in mind, that while this transition can be difficult, the whole point of assisted living is to make life easier. With housekeeping and less space to manage, residents can spend more time doing what they like and less time dealing with daily chores.
Assisted living communities vary, but generally they offer a variety of activities, classes and other amenities. The whole idea is that the community should be a fun place to be, but while the social aspect is important, residents need to spend time with friends and family that don't live in the facility. Set up visiting times and plan special events, even if it's just going out to dinner or to the movies. If you are the child of a resident, come and eat lunch or dinner and spend some time getting to know staff members as well as any new friends your parents make.
About the Author:
Agatha Lebouef loves reading home health care blogs. For more information about assisted living San Marcos facilities or for help finding board and care Dana Point services, please check out the CarePlacement.com website now.
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