(Updated: 20 February 2023)
Making the decision to move into an assisted living community is no easy task, there are many questions to ask, promising retirement estates to view, costs to evaluate, and more importantly, the future to consider. Whilst the old saying goes “Home is where the heart is”, many elderly people find it difficult to say goodbye to a home that’s filled with countless cherished memories.
Having a clear understanding of the emotional impact that moving can have on your loved ones will help families reduce or potentially avoid stress and frustration. Moving into an assisted living community should be seen as an exciting journey, a journey designed to find the perfect fit for your loved ones’ current and future healthcare needs, as well as finding an environment that will help your loved one flourish and enjoy.
This may seem impossible at first, however let us take a look at what you and your family can do to make that transition a smoother and dare we say, a happier one.
Making a smooth transition
Having a clear strategy in place can really benefit your loved one with the transition into an assisted living community. This strategy should include their thoughts, seeing as the community selected will become their future home and therefore, they should have a say in whether or not it’s the right place for them.
Once you and your loved one have selected the appropriate assisted living community, you should put together a checklist of to-do’s that should be addressed before, during, and after moving. This to-do list can help keep track of what needs to be done and what still needs to be addressed.
Some items to include in your checklist can be:
- Moving date: If possible, consider moving during the week when the estate is fully staffed and able to help your loved one get situated.
- Move their belongings in sooner: If possible, try to bring some of your loved ones’ belongings into the apartment sooner. By doing this, you can make the apartment feel more like home, it will also free up some time to help them settle in and relax.
- Start the downsize process early: If possible, try narrow down the things your loved one wants to keep, although this may be an emotional journey at first, it will help you better plan the furniture size and storage needs in advance.
- Make the rounds: If possible, take your loved one on a tour of the assisted living community to engage and meet with the staff and neighbours. This will allow them to familiarize themselves with the people they’ll be spending time with and also join in fun activities.
There are other steps you should take into consideration when moving your loved one into an assisted living community. Let us take a closer look:
Finding a Community Together
When searching for an assisted living community for your loved one, you should consider all aspects e.g., The estates offerings, level of healthcare, what people say about the estate, what activities do they offer, the costs and what is included in the costs etc.
It is important to get your loved one involved in the decision-making process, as mentioned by taking them to view the estate in order to get a better feel for the environment and the people living there. This will help your loved one feel more confident and comfortable with their decision to move into the chosen estate.
As mentioned, having your loved one involved in finding the right assisted living community is important as it will provide them with peace of mind when it comes to the decision to move.
Make a List and Stick to it
You’ve found the right community to move into, now it’s time to put your checklist into action. Make certain activities fun for your loved one, so that they don’t feel as though their lives are being uprooted. One way to do this could be by having the family over to help you sort out and downsize your loved ones’ belongings.
It Takes Time
Making a house feel like a home takes time and patience, the same applies when moving an elderly person into an assisted living community. If a loved one is unable to take care of themselves or they are considering a different kind of homeownership: a healthy, safe, accessible, friendly, and inviting community can become the home they need and deserve, given the time.
Bring Your Cherished Possessions
It’s important to keep special memorabilia or perhaps furniture that bring your loved one joy and comfort in their new living space. This can include their favourite chair, books, movies, pictures, art, or knickknacks. Having these reminders of the home your loved one shared with your family can help make the move less stressful.
Visit Often
This is for the children, grandchildren, friends, and acquaintances of loved ones who are moving into an assisted living facility. There is the potential to feel isolated and unwanted when anyone relocates from their established home, if those around them do not keep in contact. The strongest predictors of a smooth and happy transition are the maintaining of quality time spent with friends and family as well as integrating into their new social circles.
Making New Friends
Whether you are nine or ninety years old, making new friends can be hard to do. Something that makes it easier for all of us is entering into a new social circle. Like most of our retired population, these new social circles will be filled with an incredible array of life stories, interests, and experiences. Eating lunch or playing cards with new friends could have a hugely positive impact on your loved ones’ community experience.
So be sure to encourage your loved one to join in on any events or fun-filled activities that may be taking place in the community. You could also join your loved one in some of these activities to make it easier for them to engage with new people and help them make friends.
Take Part in Activities
All of the best assisted living facilities provide a wide selection of recreational activities that keep all members of the community engaged, active and social. These activities have proven to promote mental and physical health for the residents staying there, therefore it’s important that you and your loved ones take a look at what activities are available and sign them up to join.
By joining in on these activities, the previously unfamiliar faces that they may see at breakfast or on their morning walk will fast become teammates, competition, supporters and partners. Try out the different hobbies, arts, exercise, and games that are organized regularly for the community.
Don’t Change Everything
We understand that when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living community, it’s because they are at a stage in their life where they may be struggling with their mental or physical health. Although change is good, try to keep the size and scope of the changes to a minimum as this can help make the transition even smoother.
Dinner dates with friends, game nights with grandchildren, church on Sunday or monthly family lunches are just as important to maintain as anything else. Adjusting to new surroundings is much easier when you do it with the people you love.
The Lonehill Manor Solution
At Lonehill Manor, we know how to make you or your loved one’s transition into assisted living as easy and gratifying as possible. We offer our residents a place to call home, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful gardens, stylishly decorated lounge, dining room and open spaces, they can enjoy relaxation or easily socialising with friends and family whilst taking part in our estate hosted activities.
Join our wonderful community today and become part of the Lonehill Manor family. Contact our amazing team today for more information on our retirement community.