Helpful Tips for Moving Seniors to Assisted Living
When helping a beloved senior move to an assisted living facility, our thoughts may feel unfocused. What will my elderly parent need in his or her new room? How can I assure that the move goes as smoothly as possible? Have I forgotten something important? Here are a few suggestions that may help families who are entrusted with moving seniors to new homes.
Tips for Moving Seniors to Assisted Living
- Talk early, talk often. Family members may shy away from talking about the move because they don’t want to upset their senior loved one, or perhaps because they are not sure how to broach the subject. Similarly, elders may avoid the topic out of uncertainty or politeness. However, it is essential that all involved family members find a way to communicate during this important life event. When possible, roles, responsibilities and limitations should be addressed early. Regular family meetings may help during this process. In some cases, meeting with a counselor or spiritual advisor may provide additional support.
- Begin downsizing as early as possible. There will probably be strong feelings attached to certain items in the senior’s home. When possible, it will work best if the elderly parent doesn’t have to rush to make emotion-ridden decisions. It may help to set up piles of items that will go to the assisted living facility, items that will go to the family, items that will be donated, and items that can be discarded. When deciding what will go with the senior to his or her new home, be sure to save room for any future belongings that will accumulate after the move.
- Consider hiring professional moving help (if possible). Some families hire a senior move manager to assist with organizing, downsizing and packing, or they may opt to hire a moving service that specializes in moving seniors. However, the cost of these services may be prohibitive for many families, and seeking help from friends and relatives will be their best option. Most will be happy to lend a hand.
- Make settling in a team effort. Find ways to help your senior relative feel engaged during the moving process. Help unpack and organize his or her belongings as early as possible to ensure a feeling of security. Tour the assisted living facility as a family, have a meal together in the dining room and help your loved one put a “personal touch” on decorating his or her new home. Be sure to set up new routines after the relocation, such as calling and visiting at regular times.
Moving from one’s long-term home into an unfamiliar place would be scary for anyone. Your senior relative may not show it, but chances are moving to an assisted living facility may cause feelings of loss and anxiety, at least for a while. However, remember that as this transition passes your loved one will be free to enjoy new surroundings, new activities, and new companions.
Please contact us for more information on moving seniors.