How to Help your Loved one During the Transition into Assisted Living

A frequent question that family members ask is, “how do I make my loved ones transition into your facility as comfortable as possible?”  Only you know your parent, so only you can decide how best to assist them throughout the move. Take a look at the following tips for a smooth transition into assisted living.

Give it time.

It can take three to six months for an individual to adjust to their new living arrangement. It might be quicker and it may take longer. It is important to remember why you or loved one made the decision to transition into assisted living. Did safety, health concerns or peace of mind play a role? Keeping the big picture in mind will help you through the more challenging days.

Visit.

Seeing a loving and familiar face can ease anxiety for all of us, especially if you or your loved one is experiencing feelings of abandonment or loneliness. Bring your loved one their favorite snacks, fresh cut flowers or other creature comfort. Who doesn’t love being thought of?

If your loved one is spending the majority of the time in their room, visit before a scheduled activity and make it a goal to walk with them to the activity and say your goodbyes before the program starts. This way you will have spent one on one time together and they have opportunity to branch out and meet new people. Encourage other family members, friends and neighbors to schedule a visit as well.

Bring items from home.

Moving to assisted living usually means downsizing, not everything from home will in the apartment. Don’t forget, photographs of friends and family, familiar books, artwork and linens will can be extremely comforting. Instead of purchasing all new and unfamiliar furniture, take what you can from home. If you need to downsize the bedroom set, you can still bring a familiar blanket and pillows. The kitchen may be new, but you can pack your mother’s favorite teacup. It is important that your loved one feels at home, even if this takes some time.

Communicate with us.

If you or your loved one have special request that will make their transition smoother, do not hesitate in reaching out to our staff. We will do our absolute best to accommodate requests. We see each resident as an individual and understand that they have specific needs. Do you or your loved one prefer morning showers instead of evening showers? Do they enjoy having a cup of coffee or tea each afternoon? We will work with you to ensure you or your loved one is comfortable. 

Posted by admin on July 16, 2020