Creating a Smooth Transition from Independent Living to Assisted Living

Transitioning to assisted living can be challenging when a loved one has lived in one place or home for decades. Regardless, it is one of the best decisions a senior or their loved ones can make for them as it allows them to join a community of their peers where they will receive the love and care they deserve. We have put together a few tips to help you ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Choose The Right Community

Take some time to research the assisted living facilities near you thoroughly. When researching, find out about their communities, the social environment, amenities, dining, and overall compatibility with your loved one. As you do this, you will find gorgeous senior living communities that your loved one will love and where they will fit right in.

It is important to start your research as soon as your loved one or the family starts thinking about assisted living. Doing so will allow you to do much more thorough research and ensure you do not have to rush when there is an immediate need for a move. Communities like those over at the Clover Group ensure there are supports in place that keep your parents from suffering from loneliness as this is a major concern in lots of communities.

Take Care of The Finances

You should have all financial issues sorted out before your loved one moves to an assisted living facility. Talk to their management to find out how much it will cost, how to pay for it, and whether insurance will pay for it.

Start Downsizing Early

Once you pick an assisted living facility, you will know how much space your loved one will need. The space will likely be much smaller than the home they live in now, so you should help them start downsizing. You can do this effectively by making use of these downsizing tips for seniors, as well as other tips you might learn from friends, family members, or even online. 

As with researching assisted living facilities, it is best to start downsizing as soon as possible. Doing so gives your loved one enough time to spend with sentimental items and to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.

Be there for them and encourage them to pack only what they are sure they will need depending on how much space they will have.

Make The Space Feel Like Home

If your parents will be staying at the facility for a significant time, it is a good idea to make it feel like home. You can add some flowers and items from their old space to make the new space more familiar. You can also move the furniture around to resemble the old space.

Create Time For Visits

Sadly, some people never visit their loved ones once they move to an assisted or senior living facility. For loved ones abandoned like this, the transition can be very difficult. Arrange some time to see your loved one, especially at the start. You can space out these visits as they get more used to assisted living but make a point of visiting at least once every few weeks and staying in touch with them through calls, texts, or emails.

Helping your loved one transition to assisted living requires you to be there for them to help them choose the best facility and make the necessary arrangement. You can also assist them after their move by visiting them often to see how they are settling in and staying in touch.