IT’S DIFFICULT FOR AN INDEPENDENT person to move into a senior living community. But it could also be the best option if they need just a bit of help in their daily life. Moving to a senior housing community ensures they won’t feel isolated and continue living their lives to the fullest.
You and your family can certainly do things to make the transition to senior care go smoothly. Read on for a few tips to consider.
Downsize
Downsizing is a vast and challenging process, but it’s also crucial since your parents can’t bring everything with them to their new retirement community. Start downsizing as soon as possible. The earlier, the better.
Here’s how you can make the process easier:
- Ask your parents to make a list of all the things they want to bring with them. Remember to list all the items that come to mind without walking through the house.
- Plan their new space. Get the dimensions of their new space and develop a floor plan. They can visualize their room and decide what furniture to bring and what pieces to eliminate.
- Start in the kitchen or garage, as a lot of the items tend to be less sentimental. You’ll be able to take care of a lot of clutter in only a few days.
- Consider giving away unwanted items to family and friends, selling them, recycling them or donating. If an item doesn’t bring you joy, let it go.
Make It Feel Like Home
The best way to make your loved ones feel comfortable in their new accommodation is to make it feel familiar. Organize their space the same way it was in their home. Put up photos of family and display their sentimental items prominently.
Take time to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space that helps smooth the transition to their new home.
Get Involved
Today, seniors have many choices when it comes to social activities. Every senior living community boasts a robust social program. Encourage your parents to attend social events. It will help them meet their fellow residents, find new friends and develop their social circle.
Having friends is crucial for emotional health and has the added benefit of engaging your mind and body.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
A senior living community is like any other neighborhood. Life is better with good neighbors to chat with and confide in. Encourage your loved ones to get to know their neighbors. Meeting others that may also be going through something similar and can help your loved ones adjust.
Get to know the staff and caregivers. It is they who will look after your loved ones. Developing a relationship with them could help with questions and concerns during this new experience.
Organize Family Visits
Organizing family visits is crucial in the first few months of living in a senior living community. Regularly seeing loved ones will make a move bearable, give them peace of mind and bring them happiness.
Take Care of Emotional Well-being.
Moving a parent or loved one to an assisted living community is one of the most complex decisions anyone will ever make. It’s a new chapter in their life that can put a lot of emotional strain on them and the family. Your loved one will need a lot of support, and so will you.
Don’t neglect your emotional and mental well-being either. It is good to consider talking to someone if you are feeling sad.
Retirement can be the best years of your parent’s life. Come by and visit the Spring Gardens Senior Living community in Lindon, Utah county. We offer both assisted living and memory care options. Come see the difference for yourself.