Moving is hard. It can be incredibly stressful. When somebody you love, maybe an aging parent or grandparent, will soon be moving into assisted living, you might have a number of mixed emotions. You might feel relieved because you’ve been helping them for so long and wonder how much more you can take. You may be worried about their health and their life in the future.
In reality, change is difficult to accept, especially among those we love the most. We don’t want to see them declining, but the older we get, the more likely we are all going to face that same path.
Assisted living is arguably the best elder care option for many seniors. When somebody has chosen assisted living for their future, that’s only part of the task. The next part involves getting ready to move in and, ultimately, move-in day.
Let’s look at some of the best steps you and that elderly loved one can make when preparing to move to assisted living.
Step #1: Learn as much as possible about assisted living.
Your aging loved one may have decided that assisted living is probably best for them moving forward, but they don’t know a lot about it. You might not, either. Most Americans don’t know much about assisted living.
In fact, they confuse it with other types of facility care and dismiss it for one reason or another. Take some time to do your research. Look at reliable websites for information. The best would be to call a local facility, schedule a tour, and be ready to ask questions so you and that senior know everything you want about assisted living in general and with more specifics.
Step #2: Discuss all options with the senior.
Some families believe that their elderly father would do best at assisted living as opposed to being home or somewhere else. That doesn’t mean he wants to go there. At least not yet.
Be honest about his or her options. Discuss them. As long as you went through Step #1, you should have enough information to help him or her make a good, reasoned decision for his or her future.
Ultimately, it is the senior’s decision to make, not yours.
Step #3: Determine permitted items and how they will be placed in the room.
Once an elderly person has committed to moving to assisted living, they may have to downsize their home or apartment. They won’t be able to bring all of their furniture and personal items with them, though.
Find out what’s permitted, the space they have, if there are restrictions on hanging pictures, pets, including goldfish or other terrariums, and so forth.
Practice staging to make sure what the senior is bringing will fit and allow him or her to be most comfortable.
Step #4: Start early and find enough help.
Avoid the temptation of procrastinating and waiting until the last minute. Start as early as possible, and secure enough help — either from family, friends, or professional movers — for move-in day, and that will help everything go smoother.
When move-in day is smoother, it helps the senior to relax quicker and that will help him or her realize this was a great decision.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Belleville, IL, or surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
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