While assisted living programs are great options for the well-being of the elderly, making the transition from living independently to assisted living can be daunting. While assisted living provides benefits for the safety and health of its residents, losing their sense of independence can be a tough thing to stomach. If your loved one is making the move to assisted living, here are some ways that you can help them make the transition.
Decide on Personal Belongings to Bring
Moving into an assisted living community may require your loved one to downsize as there might not be space for them to bring everything they want. Take the time to sit down with them and go through their belongings. Do they have a favorite chair, a photo album, or heirlooms that are important to them? Perhaps it can even be a small but meaningful heirloom that you may find unassuming but that they can’t bear to part with. Decide with your loved ones on what will make their new surroundings feel like home for them.
Go Through Their Medications
Before checking into assisted living, you and your loved ones should discuss with their doctor to ensure that they have all the medications that they need. Check that their list of both over-the-counter and prescription medicines is up-to-date and valid. TerraBella’s Assisted Living program provides move-in and pharmacy coordination, a visiting physician and podiatrist, and a host of other medical amenities. Still, it’s always best to check with your loved one’s doctor to see if there is anything else that your loved one may need before making the move.
Encourage Them to Keep Socially Active
Getting socially involved in their new environment is one of the best and fastest ways for your loved ones to start feeling comfortable. Maintaining an active social life is also key to boosting your loved one’s spirits. Encourage them to get involved in their favorite activities, or to make full use of the amenities in their new living space to make new friends. Being part of a robust community is essential to helping your loved ones feel like they belong in their new environment.
Accompany Your Loved One on Their First Night
One of the most difficult parts of transitioning to assisted living is the first night. As comfortable and welcoming as the new environment may be, it’s still a drastic change, and as such can be difficult for your loved one to deal with. You can check if your loved one’s assisted living space allows for special arrangements to be made to allow you to stay overnight with your loved one on moving day. It can help ease the transition for your loved one to have someone they love to be with them on that first night.
While making the transition to assisted living can be difficult at first, your loved one will soon grow used to the new environment. As always, take the time to listen to their concerns so that you know how you can best help them during – and after – the transition.
