Moving is stressful for all of us, but it can be particularly difficult for senior citizens moving out of their present home and into an assisted living facility. While there are certainly many advantages to assisted living, the move and the first weeks in the new place can be challenging. Here are a few tips that might make the process smoother for you or your loved one.
Obviously, the first step after making the decision to move is to find a suitable assisted living community. If you have friends already living in a facility that they enjoy, this can be a very strong recommendation. In addition, you can use a service such as CarePlacement.com which can match your needs and budget to an assisted living facility in your area. Staying near family and friends is always a good idea, so look for facilities that make visiting as easy as possible.
After you have selected a place that suits your needs, the process of moving begins. The reality is that assisted living apartments are comfortable but small, and you probably will be living in a space that consists of a bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchenette. So some tough choices about what to bring will have to be made. If you are helping someone make these choices, remember that you need to be compassionate and helpful, and consider how you would feel if you were being asked to part with your beloved items.
It's sometimes best to simply begin with the easy stuff. Get rid of items that typically have little emotional connection, such as appliances and items that are never used. Your parent might want to give a few items away to relatives or friends, and this can be a wonderful and treasured gift. If the whole process truly is too overwhelming, simply carefully pack up items that are not needed, label them well and then put them into a self-storage facility. Rather than worry or argue, just keep some of the most precious items and make decisions later. This process might be easier once your loved one has adjusted to the new home.
When you do select items, consider taking things that enhance the ambiance of the apartment without adding a great deal of clutter. This could include hanging photographs or artwork on the walls and bringing curtains from your old home and perhaps a small bookshelf that can hold a few mementos and photo albums. While you might miss some of your possessions, it also can be nice to not have to attend to some of life's more mundane chores such as housecleaning or laundry or even cooking. All of these are done for you, and this means you have more time for enjoyable activities.
Assisted living communities vary, but generally they offer a variety of activities, classes and other amenities. The whole idea is that the community should be a fun place to be, but while the social aspect is important, residents need to spend time with friends and family that don't live in the facility. Set up visiting times and plan special events, even if it's just going out to dinner or to the movies. If you are the child of a resident, come and eat lunch or dinner and spend some time getting to know staff members as well as any new friends your parents make.
Obviously, the first step after making the decision to move is to find a suitable assisted living community. If you have friends already living in a facility that they enjoy, this can be a very strong recommendation. In addition, you can use a service such as CarePlacement.com which can match your needs and budget to an assisted living facility in your area. Staying near family and friends is always a good idea, so look for facilities that make visiting as easy as possible.
After you have selected a place that suits your needs, the process of moving begins. The reality is that assisted living apartments are comfortable but small, and you probably will be living in a space that consists of a bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchenette. So some tough choices about what to bring will have to be made. If you are helping someone make these choices, remember that you need to be compassionate and helpful, and consider how you would feel if you were being asked to part with your beloved items.
It's sometimes best to simply begin with the easy stuff. Get rid of items that typically have little emotional connection, such as appliances and items that are never used. Your parent might want to give a few items away to relatives or friends, and this can be a wonderful and treasured gift. If the whole process truly is too overwhelming, simply carefully pack up items that are not needed, label them well and then put them into a self-storage facility. Rather than worry or argue, just keep some of the most precious items and make decisions later. This process might be easier once your loved one has adjusted to the new home.
When you do select items, consider taking things that enhance the ambiance of the apartment without adding a great deal of clutter. This could include hanging photographs or artwork on the walls and bringing curtains from your old home and perhaps a small bookshelf that can hold a few mementos and photo albums. While you might miss some of your possessions, it also can be nice to not have to attend to some of life's more mundane chores such as housecleaning or laundry or even cooking. All of these are done for you, and this means you have more time for enjoyable activities.
Assisted living communities vary, but generally they offer a variety of activities, classes and other amenities. The whole idea is that the community should be a fun place to be, but while the social aspect is important, residents need to spend time with friends and family that don't live in the facility. Set up visiting times and plan special events, even if it's just going out to dinner or to the movies. If you are the child of a resident, come and eat lunch or dinner and spend some time getting to know staff members as well as any new friends your parents make.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. For additional details about assisted living Encinitas facilities or for professional help finding board and care Del Mar services, please check out the Care Placement website now.
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