It’s natural to worry about your senior parents and want the best for them, including nutritious meals, regular activity, good cognitive functioning, and happiness. As a member of the sandwich generation balancing caring for your senior parent and raising your children, you may feel especially worried about your parent and want to make the best decisions for them. Part of this process may involve considering independent senior living.
While it’s filled with plenty of positive experiences and benefits, it can still be a big life change. You and your parent may not know what to expect throughout the process, which can lead to some anxiety.
We’re here to help. Here’s what you can expect throughout the process to help ease your mind.
How do you and your senior parent choose a community?
No two communities are alike — each will have a different atmosphere, amenities, opportunities, and more. Start by sitting down with your senior parent, and work together to develop a list of must-haves they want in their ideal community. Outlining their nonnegotiables will help you focus and narrow down the options of communities you want to tour.
Then, once you and your parent have developed a list of their top choices, it’s time to begin scheduling tours. It’s important not to skip this step because you both need to see how each community feels and observe how staff members and residents interact.
As you’re browsing communities, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Staff members should be happy to answer your questions. (If they aren’t, or it takes a long time for them to respond, you may want to reconsider that community).
What can you expect on move-in day?
Moving can be challenging, but the more you and your parent do in advance, the easier the day will be. This includes packing with purpose and properly downsizing their belongings. Additionally, to help the day go smoothly, make sure everyone gets a good night’s sleep the night before and eats a nutritious breakfast on move-in day to be energized for the day.
Every community will handle move-in day differently and have its own processes, but most communities will give you detailed information about what you can expect. Remember, you can always call the community with any questions you have or if you need clarification.
Generally, here’s what you can expect:
- The community will provide a designated time frame for your parent to move in, which you’ll want to pass along to anyone helping your parent move, including hired movers.
- Your parent will be greeted by a community representative, who will escort them to their apartment, show them around the community, and provide any important details and materials your parent needs.
- After this, it’s time to start unpacking!
What will your parent’s first days in independent senior living be like?
With so much change occurring at once, the initial days after the move can feel a bit overwhelming. But remember, your parent isn’t alone in this feeling — nearly everyone who’s moved into the community has been a bit overwhelmed in the beginning. Neighbors can be excellent resources to help your parent ease into community life. Plus, staff members have experience working with residents who have these feelings, so they can help ease jitters over the first few days.
These initial days will likely be spent unpacking and getting settled. Remind your parent that they don’t have to participate in every event that comes up as they settle in. If they want to join an event or two, that’s great! But there are plenty of events and activities held throughout every month to choose from, and getting settled is the most important thing at that moment.
Remember that your parent chose a supportive and caring community that was the right fit for them, and this compassionate community of peers is more than happy to join your parent for an activity or meal or simply to provide a listening ear.
What benefits will your parent enjoy?
Once they’ve settled in, your parent can enjoy the full range of advantages of independent senior living, including:
Increased Socialization
Maintaining your social life is effortless in independent living communities because these communities offer numerous social events where your parent can meet like-minded folks and expand their horizons.
Low-Maintenance Living
Because they don’t have to concern themselves with the usual housework, your parent can enjoy the independence they desire without the burden of chores and home maintenance tasks.
Wellness Resources and Opportunities
At an independent living community, residents have access to various resources and opportunities for maintaining and improving their personal health, including fitness centers, exercise classes, and wellness programs.
A Variety of Events and Activities
Many senior living communities offer a full calendar of activities with several different options your parent can choose from, including happy hours, outings, social clubs, and more.
