Moving a family member into an assisted living community can be challenging. Loved ones must make many decisions, and everyone will feel a wide range of emotions. People should remember that this is the end of independence for the loved one, and moving can be sad. Keep reading for tips on making this move once the time comes.
Set a Budget
Before looking for an assisted living community, families need to determine what they can afford. Money can come from private savings, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or VA benefits. Families should talk openly with all parties involved in the decision-making process about the budget.
Research Homes
Always search for assisted living homes early before loved ones are in a crisis. Families should have time to consider the pros and cons of each community before making a decision. Some websites can be helpful when researching communities. Families should also ask relatives, friends, neighbors, or physicians for recommendations.
Narrow the list of most interested homes to three. They should visit and tour these three homes with their senior family member. Photos, reviews, floor plans, and brochures are not enough to fully understand a community. It can also be helpful to visit the homes without the senior family member present. Visiting can cause stress for seniors, and families don’t want to forget to ask questions or collect all of the needed information.
Make a Decision
Families must complete many things before a senior family member can move into assisted living in Anaheim, CA. A family must obtain physician’s orders, a nursing assessment, transfer medications, and complete a power of attorney.
Move-In Day
Moving a loved one into an assisted living home can be difficult. People experience many different emotions during this time. The senior family member may be mourning the loss of their independence and living in their long-time home. They may also be afraid of moving, making new friends, and depending on strangers. As people age, adapting to new environments can be difficult. Family members may also feel many different emotions such as guilt, fear, and sadness.
Be sure to surround senior loved ones with their things. Moving to assisted living usually requires seniors to downsize, but sentimental items like photo albums, favorite books, and artworks will help seniors feel at home.
Try to make moving day a special event. Surprise loved ones with flowers or balloons in the new apartment. Present parents with special photos, pictures, or items for their new place. Some families find it fun to eat together on the first night in the new home. Families need to think about their loved ones and ask what would make them feel the most comfortable on their moving day.
Give It Time
Once the senior family member has moved, families need to give the transition time. It often takes three to six months for an elderly person to adjust to assisted living. Families need to remember the reasons that they decided on assisted living, such as the health, safety, security, and sanity of their loved one.
Determine the Best Visitation Schedule
Some seniors enjoy having frequent visits from family and friends. For others, this might prevent them from attending activities in the home and meeting other people. Frequent visits can help them not to feel so lonely, and they can ease stress. Each family needs to decide what is best in their situation. It does not always look the same. Consider arranging visits with other family members so that not everyone is visiting on the same day.
Expect Setbacks
Even if the loved one is happy to move, they may decide after a few weeks that they do not like it in their new home. The loved one may speak about wanting to go home or not liking their new friends. This can be difficult for families. Children should positively talk about the new community, but they shouldn’t disregard the fears or reservations of their loved ones. It is important to listen to loved ones and help them survive this difficult time.
Advocate For Your Loved One
Sometimes, older people don’t speak up for themselves. They can be afraid to ask questions or challenge a rule. If there is a serious concern that your loved one has, advocate for them. Speak to community staff members on their behalf.
Arbor Palms is an assisted living and memory care community located in Anaheim, California. We believe in compassionate, graceful aging and providing excellent service. Our programs nourish the body and activities that create a community. We pride ourselves on promoting social interaction, building relationships, and providing home-cooked meals.
