The move into an assisted living community can be emotionally and physically overwhelming, but there are ways to help prepare a loved one for the move and to help them get settled in as quickly as possible. As soon as the decision is made to move into the community, it is a good idea to start preparing for the move. A few tips to help with this include the following.
Choose a Good Community
It is important to choose the right assisted living community for the senior. The right community has everything they need, as well as plenty of activities, opportunities for socialization, and more. It’s a place where they can feel safe and secure, where they can get help when they need it, but where they can still be as independent as possible. Take time to research local communities to find one that is going to be a good fit.
Take a Tour to See the Community
Take the time to tour the community to see it in action. If possible, bring the senior on the tour so they can get an idea of what their new home will look like and everything it has to offer. Be prepared to ask lots of questions, but get contact information for someone who can help if any other questions come up after the tour. Get a good look at everything during the visit to see how it will be when the senior is living there.
Be Careful When Packing
It is important to be careful when packing everything. Start with the essentials and what they’ll need during the first few days as well as any furniture or sentimental items they may want to have in their new home. Make sure everything is packed with care to prevent damage and contact a moving company to help with the move. Items that can’t go with the senior can go to a storage facility if needed.
Prepare to Cancel Services
Once everything is moved out of the home, it may be necessary to turn off the utilities and cancel services like cable TV. Make sure everything is canceled properly to avoid erroneous bills or other issues. If the senior’s home is going to be sold, it may be necessary to leave on the power and other services until the sale is finalized. Talk to a real estate agent to learn more about that.
Get the New Space Set Up
Take some time to get the new space set up with them. Move furniture around if needed, make sure their sentimental items are easy to access, and ensure they have everything they need to feel at home in the new place. Once they’re moved in, help them find activities and any events they might be interested in to help them make new friends, as this will help with the emotions of the move.
If your loved one is preparing to move into an assisted living community, take the time to make sure they’re prepared and ready for the move. Along with helping them to find the right community, there are things that can be done to help make the move easier and to help them get settled into their new place. Use the tips here to make the move as easy as possible for them.
