It’s hard for someone who is independent to move to a senior living community. But it could be the best option if they need help in their daily life. Moving to a senior care home also ensures they won’t become isolated. They can continue to live your life to the fullest.
Today’s senior living communities are different from the retirement homes of the old. Thanks to the baby boomer generation, seniors have more choices. They have more options when it comes to their living space. There’s also more focus on their emotional and physical well-being.
But there are things you and your family can do to make the transition to senior living go smooth. You should consider these tips from some of the best senior living websites today.
Start Downsizing
Start downsizing once talks about moving to a senior care community are final. Downsizing is a difficult process. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going through five or fifty year’s worth of possessions. But it’s also vital since your parents can’t bring everything with them to the retirement community.
Here’s how you can make the process less painful –
- Make a list. Do this before you start going through stuff. Ask your parents to write down the things they want to bring if they move to a senior facility. Do this without going around the house and looking at your things. If the item didn’t spring to their minds then they won’t miss it when it’s gone.
- Start at the kitchen or garage. Most of the things there don’t have sentimental value. You’ll be able to dispose of a lot of things in a few days.
- Channel Marie Kondo. The organization queen was on point when she said you should ask yourself if an item still sparks joy for you. If it doesn’t let it go.
- Avoid throwing things away. They’ll only end up in a landfill. You should consider giving it away or selling it. Recycle it or donate.
Make It Feel Like Home
Make your parent’s new accommodation feel familiar. This will make the transition go easier. Arrange the space the same way it was in your parent’s home. Put up photos of family and display personal items. Place plants around the room to make it feel alive. But make sure the space is safe for seniors. This could mean replacing rugs and organizing wires to prevent tripping.
Get Involved in Community Activities
Seniors today have lots of choices when it comes to social activities. Every senior care community boasts a robust social program. Facilities offer exercise and wellness classes. There are book clubs and nature clubs. Residents can do some gardening and go on strolls and hikes.
Ask the senior living consultants about the range of activities. Encourage your loved one to attend social events. Tell them to join activities they’re interested in. It will also help them meet their fellow residents and develop their social circle. It also has the added benefit of engaging your mind and body.
Know Your Neighbor
Encourage your loved ones to get acquainted with their neighbors. Senior communities are like any neighborhood. Life is easier if you’re friends with your neighbors. This means the people living on your floor or next door. They might also be going through something similar and can help your parents adjust.
You should also get to know the staff and caregivers in the facility. Your loved ones will be meeting most of them in their first week. You should also try to do the same as they’re the ones who will look after your loved one.
Organize Family Visits
Make sure you and the rest of the family continue to visit your elderly loved ones. Seeing the people they love will also make the move bearable. This is critical during the first few months of living in a retirement community. Family visits will give them peace of mind and happiness.
Organize family visits with your siblings and close relatives. You don’t all have to go at once. A staggered approach is better as senior facilities limit the number of visitors. It also reduces the odds of getting COVID.
Don’t Neglect Your Emotional Well-being
It’s hard when a parent moves to an assisted living facility. It’s one of the hardest decisions anyone will ever make. It’s a new chapter in their life. And for some, it could be their final one.
Moving to senior care puts a lot of emotional strain on the family. Your parents will need a lot of support. Regular visits and calls can help make the transition easier. They might need a psychiatrist to help them deal with their new situation. Most senior care facilities have a social worker or onsite therapist. You can request your senior living advisor to make arrangements for your loved one.
Adult children shouldn’t neglect their own emotional and mental well-being either. They worry about their parent’s feelings, but they also feel sad and guilty. They’re also confronted with their parent’s mortality as well as their own. You should also consider talking to a therapist yourself.
Did you find the article informative? Then you will like this post on how senior living communities work.
Senior Living at Its Best
Retirement can be the best years of your life. Apricus Senior Living will help make that happen. We are Florida’s top consulting company. We specialize in providing top-notch services focused on the senior living industry. Our team of experts can help you market and manage your senior community. Our services also include building construction and franchise investment. You can reach us at 386-256-2015. You can also email us at madisongreystreet@icloud.com.