The decision to move an aging parent into a St. Louis assisted living community can be difficult for the entire family. But, now that you’ve decided it’s time and you’ve chosen the right community to meet your loved one’s needs, you’re ready to move forward.
Some ways to help the transition to assisted living go more smoothly include:
- Deciding what to bring in advance
- Moving belongings into their new home a couple days early
- Encouraging social interaction
- Helping your loved one have a positive emotional transition
DECIDING WHAT TO BRING
It’s a good idea to start the packing process well before the move-in date. Find out which personal items are important to your loved one, but avoid bringing too many of the same item, such as coats. Also keep in mind that unlike the smaller items, like clothes, keepsakes, and photographs, larger items like furniture will require some planning. Ask the assisted living community what furniture, if any, will be provided.
Some families choose to furnish apartments with brand new furniture (and that’s fine!). However, be sure to bring some familiar items too. This will make your loved one feel more comfortable and establish that feeling of being “at-home” in their new apartment.
MOVING BELONGINGS EARLY
Find out if it’s possible to move your loved one’s possessions in a day or two before the actual move-in date. This extra time will give you the opportunity to set up their apartment by unpacking, assembling furniture, and running errands. As a result, you can spend their first actual day at the community focused on helping them adjust to their new home.
Assistance may be available from the community to help you with the move in process. Ask for a floor plan to get an idea of how the apartment should be organized and arranged—this will make setup easier and faster for you and help your loved one adjust more quickly.
ENCOURAGING SOCIAL INTERACTION
A great way to help your family member acclimate to their new surroundings is by getting them engaged in activities at the St. Louis assisted living community. Focus on the opportunities they will have to make new friends and participate in events. Ask for an activities calendar and find the events that they will enjoy most. Also, help them meet new neighbors by joining your loved one for their first meal in the dining room.
HELPING MAKE THE EMOTIONAL TRANSITION A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
Moving is an emotional experience for all of us—even more so for an older adult. The move to assisted living can feel overwhelming and daunting, but it can also be an exciting change that should be embraced. Both of you may experience many different emotions throughout the process, but these feelings are normally temporary as everyone works on adjusting to this next phase of life. It’s important to recognize these feelings and find ways to embrace the move.
Let your loved one know that you understand the transition to assisted living may be hard for them, and that you are here to discuss and listen. Be respectful, but be upbeat! Positive reinforcement will help your loved one focus on the benefits they will gain from moving to assisted living.
Learn the latest on Bethesda’s assisted living communities on our Assisted Living blog.
