How to Help Your Loved One Move into Assisted Living
/Making the move to assisted living can be a liberating and empowering decision for your aging loved one. There, they will be embraced by a welcoming community and given the support they need to continue enjoying a happy and healthy retirement. However, this wonderful notion can be overshadowed by the thoughts of the move itself. The legwork and logistics of such a monumental transition can feel stressful or downright overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to ease the demands of the move ahead of time. This will allow you to celebrate the bright horizon assisted living can hold without being distracted by stress or exhaustion.
Whether you have decided to help move your loved one into an assisted living community or you are researching potential options, let these helpful tips ease the concerns you may have about moving day.
Enlist Assistance in Advance
When you decided on a specific moving day, don’t hesitate to start planning out the logistics. Having assistance accounted for well ahead of time can put your mind at ease, allowing you to focus on other things. If you are hiring a moving company, be sure to do so as far in advance as possible. Movers can be in higher demand during warmer months, so being proactive can help you lock down your best choice. To find the best option, be sure to read online reviews or ask friends for a referral – you can even ask the community if they have a company they like to recommend. Alternatively, you might ask friends or family members to lend their assistance. This will not only ease the burden of moving, but the presence of familiar faces can help ease your loved one’s transition to their new home.
Prioritize Downsizing
One of the many benefits of assisted living is that it eliminates the demands of homeownership. Cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, and similar tasks should be taken care of by the community. However, downsizing one’s home often entails doing the same with their belongings. If you are helping your loved one part ways with some of their belongings, be sure to be proactive yet patient. This can be an emotional endeavor, so starting the conversation early and easing into the process can make it easier for everyone. Try and remain understanding of sentimental connections to belongings that may not be practical. Oftentimes, discussing or celebrating the memories associated with certain items can provide closure if they will not be joining you on the journey.
If you would like to learn more about helping your loved one move into assisted living, call WinnPrairie today at 815-656-4800 or contact us online. We are Freeport assisted living and memory care community offering a joy-filled senior lifestyle.