Moving into assisted living may be an exciting and beneficial new chapter in life for your loved ones, but it can also be complicated and scary for them. After all, they are going to be living in a whole new environment and meeting new people. However, with sufficient planning, your family members will be able to make a smoother transition to assisted living and enjoy their time there better. Hence, here are some tips to help prepare your loved ones to move into assisted living.
Involve Them
One of the most important things that you can help with is to involve your loved ones in the process. By encouraging them to actively participate in the process, they will better understand the process, and feel like they are important in the process also. For instance, you can find the top few assisted living communities, and bring them to experience each one, but let them make the final choice. However, be careful not to place too much pressure on them. Instead, aim to support and involve them in the entire process, and continuously remind them that you will be there for them. This ensures they feel emotionally supported, and they will not feel alone.
Visit the Community
A common worry about moving into the assisted living community is meeting new people. Hence, encourage your loved ones to get involved in the community before they move in. By doing so, your family members will eventually feel more comfortable and excited to move into assisted living and see the new friends they have made. While different assisted living has varying ways of introducing your loved ones into the community, the best way to do so is to ask the team members. For instance, some assisted living encourage newcomers to join for meals, while others may suggest attending a social activity or wellness program together with the community.
Talk to Them
Communication is key to helping your loved ones move into assisted living. You need to talk to them to be able to know their fears or concerns. Listen to their worries, acknowledge them, and then help them through the worries. By acknowledging both the positive benefits of assisted living and their worries about it, your parents will feel fully prepared and eased. Remember to remind them that you will still be in contact with them even after they move in.
Make It Like Home
Moving to assisted living means your loved ones will live in a brand new place. Hence, the unknown can be frightening and foreign for them. Thus, plan with your loved ones how they can make their new place feel like home. And the best way to do this is to bring their favorite books, family photos, or familiar piece of artwork. Here is a tip. Ask members of the assisted living community for the floor plan so you can know how much space they have for their items. If possible, try to bring their blankets and pillows. Things that they love and feel safe and comfortable with. Remember leaving a home does not mean they have to leave behind the comforts of their home.
