Helping Your Parent or Spouse Transition to Assisted Living

Moving to an assisted living community can require some major changes in your parent or spouse’s life. However, once the decision is made, it is vital to fully understand what the transition to assisted living will look like. This is important because your parent or spouse should feel fully comfortable in their new environment. This transition can be very emotional. Your parent or spouse may mourn their youth, independence, and home. However, there are ways to make the transition as easy as possible. 

To make the transition a successful one, your family, your parent or spouse’s doctor, and the new assisted living community’s associates should work as a cohesive team. That is why planning the transition is so essential. 

Tips for Making the Transition to Assisted Living

When someone moves to an assisted living community, being unfamiliar with the environment and residents can be very intimidating. Experts say it can take up to six months to adjust to their new home. It is vital to ensure that your parent or spouse takes all possible measures to acclimate. Here are a few things they can do to ensure they are ready:

Choose the Right Community

Assisted living is not a short-term solution, it is for the long haul. If you don’t choose the right community, it’s not usually a simple move to another. There are contracts and sometimes entrance fees involved. Put in the time right at the forefront of the process, before you think about the transition. As part of your research, be sure to visit the community first and meet with community leaders and caregivers to get a good feel of what the community has to offer.

Keep an Open Mind

Since moving to an assisted living community is a big adjustment, those who keep an open mind are more likely to adapt faster.

Socialize

There are few things a senior can do at a new community that are worse than hanging around in their room all day. When moving to a new community, make a point to get out of your apartment and socialize. Making new friends can make a big difference in your experience.

Ask Questions

Feel free to ask on-site associates for help whenever needed. That’s what they are there for. 

How Family Can Help

If you are a family member of someone who has decided to move to an assisted living community, you may be wondering what your new role will be. If you have been a caregiver, there may be things you need to adjust to as well.

Don’t Feel Guilty

Oftentimes, family members may experience guilt when it comes to a care recipient choosing assisted living. You might feel like you didn’t do your job well enough. But your guilt is misplaced because a move to assisted living is the best for everyone involved. If you feel guilt, remember that this move is ultimately a good thing.

Keep in Touch

The caregiver, in particular, plays an essential role in their care recipient’s transition. When visiting is not possible, there are other ways to keep in touch with your family member. You can call and message through social media apps.

Don’t Coddle Them

Though it’s important to call and visit whenever possible to ensure a smooth transition, sometimes people can visit or call too often. This may inhibit the individual from exploring what their community has to offer. If all their transition time is spent with family, then they are not spending it meeting new people or expanding their social circle, which is a primary benefit of an assisted living community.

Bring Personal Items

To make the individual’s new residence feel a little more like home, try bringing personal items. These items should have personal meaning, like pictures and knick-knacks. Think of items like pictures and knick-knacks that have personal meaning.

When looking to transition to assisted living, keep in mind that this is a big decision for everyone involved and should not be taken lightly.

Wondering if your parent or spouse might be ready for assisted living but don’t know what the next step is? Check out our free eBook, Assisted Living and Older Adults!