Beginning the conversation that mom or dad may need some extra care is not an easy one. Sometimes the discussion for extra help or Assisted Living arrangements is the most difficult conversation seniors and their adult children can have together. Where do you start? How do you show concern without making mom or dad feel bad? We know at Senior Living Options this can be daunting and difficult. We want to help you and we can.
8 Steps to Smoothly Transition to Assisted Living
Find a Few Communities that Fit and Select One
When you have finally made that choice that Assisted Living is definitely a need, there are many factors to consider when making your choice. Does it have the right amenities that will make mom or dad feel like they are at home. Remember this is their new home so it needs to be a fit from room size to the food and activities offered. Do your homework and you should not be disappointed.
Investigate the Costs
You have narrowed your search and now you need to investigate the costs. What will you be able to afford as your top choice, and does the community charge a fixed, all inclusive rate or does the rate have a sliding scale based on the level of care? How does that work with the needs of your mom or dad? A good question to ask is are you rates tiered based on the level of care?
Schedule A Visit
This is where life gets a little messy. How do you visit now that COVID-19 has entered the picture? Where do you go? To help ease the issue a little, almost all communities offer virtual tours. Some will even let you in if you schedule in advance so they can prepare. It is very important for your loved one to see what the community is like and do they picture themselves living there comfortably as they enter the next phase of life.
It is important for mom or dad to see and interact with other residents. They should go to a lunch or dinner that is served there or attend an event that will help them determine if the community is the best fit. Also, you need to feel comfortable too. You should make sure the staff makes you feel welcome and they are kind. How do they relate to the residents? Final thought: Call ahead so they can plan and give you the full picture. Or, if you have time, drop-in to see how the community looks and functions when they do not have time to give you the grand tour.
Determine What Goes with Mom or Dad
Finally the packing begins! This can be a great step or a frustrating one. One thing you need to do is see if the community you selected offers packing services. If they do, take advantage of it! Try not to let this stage overwhelm you but be a great time to share memories with mom or dad. Start with the basics first – toiletries, medications, bedding and clothing. Then move on to furniture and memorabilia. There might be things that are hard to part with that mom or dad just simply cannot take because of size or room in their new space. Consider asking them to select a family member or close friend to take the item or items, so when they visit during the holiday or special times, they can see them in a new place with someone they love and care about.
Manage the Basics of Living
Remember the additional items like cable, electric, internet, and water. These services will need to be canceled so new services can begin at their new home. Do not forget the mail too. Get the process of forwarding their mail in place. Make sure to update their address on all important documents such as banking, insurance and investments. These are the details that can get taxing and cause issues later. Therefore, wrap up the housing details as soon as practicable.
Give Mom or Dad Time to Adjust to the Idea
You are now getting closer to the next step. The community is selected and things are moving forward. Now what? It is very essential to give mom or dad time to adjust to what is ahead. Change is change, and aging adults need time to wrap their head around what is changing so they can embrace the change with happiness and enthusiasm. Everyone adjusts to change at different rates, so be patient and it will all work out better. One day at a time. Encourage your loved ones to talk about the changes with you, other family, friends, and other important individuals in their lives.
Set Up Their New Living Space
Can we just say YAY! Time to create a new living space in their new home. Make sure to decorate so that it feels like home and familiar. Make sure to set things up in a manner that feels like home and have memorabilia around to be enjoyed. By taking time to create a comfortable and cozy living space, you will help make this new living arrangement go much smoother.
Schedule Visits with Family and Friends
Mom or dad are now in their new home, so don’t forget them. Make sure to schedule visits with them so they still feel connected. Needless to say, COVID-19 has made visiting a bit of a challenge, but most communities have adjusted so loved ones can see family members and friends now. Create a schedule with your siblings and their friends to make sure they get visitors.
Make Sure They Get Involved
Once they have started meeting people in the community, now they can start doing things with others and get involved. There are many activities that communities offer that keep the mind and body active and healthy. If their community has a calendar, grab one for home so you can encourage involvement as well. This should be a gentle and nice transition to live out their next phase of living.
Getting our loved ones into Assisted Living does not have to be difficult, but it is a process that you must endure and take it slowly. Try to make the transition a happy and smooth one. If you need more help with finding the best living arrangements for your aging parents, contact Ann at Senior Living Options and she will get your loved one settled and help you along the way too!
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