If you are considering a move to senior living for yourself or a loved one, there are several things you need to take care of. The first and foremost requirement is to know the type of care you need and the amount you can afford to spend. Once you have clarity on this, you can look for the right community and start preparing for a move. The move could become challenging, but if you have a blueprint, you can make the process easier, physically and emotionally. Here are a few expert tips to start preparing for your move to a senior living community.
Choosing a community
Before the actual move process begins, you need to choose a community that is an ideal fit for you and your loved one’s requirements. It will take time, but do not rush this process. It will be worth the effort. You need to check different communities and consider the environment, amenities, staff, level of care, location, activities, and more. This is one of the biggest decisions you are taking and you need to be very careful about it.
Do your research and understand your needs. You need to be very clear on what you are looking for. Tour the community and ask as many questions as you want to. You can also take a re-tour at a different time and read the contract well. Understand your rights before you make a decision.
Begin the moving process
After you have selected a community and signed the contract, you need to start planning for the move. It will come with a set of challenges and you will have to navigate through them. The adjustment in lifestyle and the shift from your home to a small setting will not be easy. It is not easy for the family or the senior, but having experts handle the moving process can make the job easier for you.
Professional senior moving services will make the job a lot easier and will ensure that there is no damage to your goods while being transferred from the home to the community. They can also help set up the space as per your instructions. It is a huge change to move into a senior living community and everyone will need time to adjust to the new surroundings. Be open to new places, new activities, and new faces. It will not happen overnight. Remember to provide the community with as much information as you can. This will help make the transition easier. Do not be afraid to ask for help and take it one day at a time.
The move
Choose your treasured possessions and try to make them a part of your new home. This can make you feel at ease and more comfortable in the new space, if you can, try to set up the space before you physically move in. It will become less stressful than doing it all at once. You can also send out a note to your loved ones informing them about the change of address. When all the furniture has been placed, the pictures are hung and the bed is made, the place will look like home. You can come early during the day and join the rest of the community members for activities and meals before bedtime. Additionally, you can bring things from home to customize the space and decorate it the way you prefer. Speak with the nursing team to ensure that there is everything you need.
Setting up the space
The setup of the new space is very crucial for the furniture, furnishings, and other aspects that make the space feel like home. You might have to consider strategic furniture placement to ensure that it doesn’t come in the way. Little things will go a long way. If you have a habit of getting out of bed on a certain side at home, you need to set up the bedroom accordingly. Try to keep the same routine to reduce the risk of a fall. But do remember to give yourself or your loved ones time to set up the space and adjust to it. Be patient and ask for support.
Despite preparing their best, families could still have questions about moving and preparing for the move. In this case, speak to the staff, take tours, or visit communities. This is not a small decision for you and your family, hence, it makes sense to gather as much information as possible. Ask as many questions as you want and take re-tours until you are convinced about the place you are planning to move into. Do not rush this decision and if you feel any apprehension, speak to the staff and get all your questions clarified.
