Moving is one of life’s biggest challenges, whether you’re selecting your first apartment or downsizing post-retirement. For seniors, transitioning to assisted living from a lifelong home often comes with a sense of anxiety and stress. Your loved one may struggle with sorting through their belongings, saying goodbye to familiar surroundings, and adjusting to receiving assistance with daily activities. However, with the right support, this transition can be smooth and positive. Here are some tips to help ease the transition to Parkview Assisted Living.
Begin the Transition Early
Understanding how your loved one may react to the thought of moving to assisted living is crucial. Involving them in the search for a community can make the transition smoother if they prefer to be included in decision-making. Alternatively, presenting community options to them after preliminary research might be better for some families.
If the process feels overwhelming, consider consulting experts such as:
Senior Living Advisors: These professionals understand the level of care needed and match families with suitable community options. They consider factors like cost, location, and lifestyle preferences, including pet-friendly options and veteran benefits. Parkview Assisted Living suggests Silver Lexington, a free senior living placement service located in Lexington, KY, to assist families in finding the right fit.
Geriatric Care Managers: These licensed specialists provide initial assessments of care needs, offer suggestions for short- and long-term care plans, and give unbiased guidance on senior living options.
Choose Favorite Items for Your Loved One’s New Home
Moving to a new home, and especially into assisted living, often means having less space, and parting with belongings can evoke various emotions and memories. Downsizing should be handled with care and respect.
Hire a Senior Move Manager: These professionals specialize in assisting seniors with downsizing. They offer creative solutions to help your loved one downsize smoothly and with dignity. This is especially helpful if your loved one has sentimental items or if you live far away and cannot help with the hands-on process of packing.
Create a Safe Space for Treasured Items: Allow your loved one to share the significance of important pieces and help them find a new home for items they cannot take with them.
Hold an Estate Sale: If there are many items left after setting aside the essentials, consider selling or donating them.
Assist with the Logistics
Seniors often focus more on the emotional aspects of moving rather than the organizational details. Your loved one might feel confused about leaving home or sad about selling their house. These emotions are normal, so give them space to process and reassure them that the move is a positive change.
To help with logistical details:
Manage Bills: Cancel recurring bills at your loved one's current home, such as water, gas, electricity, and cable.
Set Up Utilities: Arrange any necessary utilities at the new apartment. Each community handles utilities differently, and your loved one may be responsible for services like internet and cable.
Schedule Assistance: Hire movers and enlist family members to help. One person might explore the community with your loved one while another arranges furniture in the new space.
Plan Acclimation: Meet with the activities director or your loved one’s caregiver to plan their first few days at Parkview. Arrange for someone to help your loved one find activity areas and meet new neighbors.
Be Available
Even if your loved one insists they’ll be fine, plan to spend time with them during the first few days at Parkview. If they want your support, join them for meals, participate in activities, or explore the grounds together. Understanding that relocation stress syndrome is common among seniors can help you support them better. Symptoms include confusion and anxiety, which having a trusted loved one around can help alleviate.
If your loved one prefers to acclimate independently, use this time to get to know the caregivers and staff. Building a rapport with them will help you work together smoothly to support your loved one.
Plan Regular Visits
Family relationships remain a vital part of a senior’s identity. Regular visits can prevent feelings of isolation and help your loved one feel connected. Here are some tips to stay connected:
Plan Visits Ahead: Hang a calendar in your loved one’s room with the dates and times of your visits.
Rotate Visits: If multiple family members are in town, schedule weekly or monthly one-on-one visits.
Create a Group Calendar: Coordinate visits with family and friends to ensure your loved one has company when they need it.
Plan Group Visits: Family gatherings can be fun and uplifting.
With your assistance and support, your loved one can look forward to a fulfilling life at Parkview Assisted Living. This transition is emotional for both your loved one and you, but many seniors find that they prefer assisted living once they settle in. With your encouragement, your loved one may feel at home sooner than you expect.
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