At Kingsley Senior Living, we understand the significance of moving into an assisted living community for seniors who require professional assistance. They may be struggling with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, eating, dressing, and more, due to which they have opted for assisted living help for seniors. While making the move does look promising, seniors and their families sometimes overlook planning, which may result in a poor experience for everyone involved in the process.

To help families out in situations like these, today we’re sharing an easy-to-follow guide covering how seniors can transition comfortably to assisted living. From starting early conversations and preparing for the move to helping seniors adjust to the community environment, this guide covers all essential steps.

Before The Move

The key to ensuring your loved one moves into the chosen assisted living community the right way is planning everything from the very beginning. Notice signs of them needing professional help, like facing difficulty with daily activities, noticing sudden health changes, facing safety concerns, social isolation, and more.

Initiate Early Conversations

As soon as you notice the first signs that your loved one needs professional help, have a thorough discussion with them. These early signs may involve struggling with personal care and hygiene, difficulty with daily tasks like meal preparation and finances, increased falls or mobility issues, and changes in memory or cognitive function.

Involve Them In The Decision

Your loved one must be involved in the decision-making process. Since they are the ones moving into an assisted living setting, they need to be part of the decision-making process. Know their health and personal care preferences to ensure conducting the research process in the right direction.

Research And Choose Wisely

During your search, you will encounter a multitude of options, all of which appear worthy, but you need to choose the best one. Be patient, conduct thorough research, visit potential communities, and compare options before making a final decision.

Declutter Together

Not everything that your loved one has carries utility for them. Assist them in downsizing, as it can bring a significant emotional toll. Doing so would help them ease the emotional burden of the move and make them feel at home in their new environment.

Plan The Logistics

Arrange the logistics well before the moving date. Choose a professional mover and brief them about your requirements in advance. Also consider how you would be setting up your loved one’s new space in advance.

During The Move & Adjustment

Make sure your loved one brings all necessary documents to their new assisted living home. Support them during the transition stage. Listen to their concerns and validate their feelings. Be patient during the whole process and support them whenever they feel uninspired.

Personalize Their New Space

After moving to their new space, your loved one must feel like it’s their new home. They must get a feel that they belong here. Personalize their living space with their cherished belongings and familiar and meaningful items.

Focus On The Positives

It can be overwhelming for your loved one to move into their new space. At times, they may reminisce about the positive memories of the past. This is when you have to help them focus on the positives of the new beginnings.

Create A Routine

One of the best things you can do to help your loved one feel at ease and continue on their new life journey is to help them follow a routine. Having a predictable routine can provide them with comfort and stability during a period that’s emotional and challenging.

Encourage Social Engagement

To ensure your loved one has accepted their new space as their new home, encourage them to participate in various organized social activities in the community. Attend some community activities with them and help them explore new activities and hobbies.

Communicate With Staff

From the outset, provide complete information about your loved one to the community staff. Give them a full picture of your loved one, including their medical history, routines, and personal preferences.

After The Move

For a senior, completing a successful move to an assisted living community isn’t just about making a physical transition and acquainting themselves with everyone around. They still have to maintain old connections. As a family member, maintain regular connections. Provide support and pay regular visits.

Provide Consistent Support

Regular visits, ongoing calls, or video chats can help your loved one remain connected with you. Allow them to open up and share their concerns if they have any. Being there will make it easier for them to adjust to their new environment and accept it as their new home.

Be Patient

Not everyone adjusts to their new environment the same way. For some, it takes a week, while others may need a month or two to navigate their new environment fully. It’s normal for them to feel confusion or sadness, during which your patience and support will prove advantageous.

Attend Events Together

The social calendar of an assisted living community is filled with numerous events and activities for residents’ welfare. They take them on outdoor excursions and have indoor events consisting of movie nights and more. Attending these events together, when allowed by the community, can foster continued connection and help create new memories.

Kingsley Senior Living—We Care For Residents’ Holistic Wellness

At Kingsley Senior Living, we understand how important it is to plan the entire move into assisted living for seniors who need support. They may have chosen assisted living because they can no longer manage daily activities on their own. Families should involve them in the research and decision-making process to find the right fit.

Help them declutter, organize everything, and move to their new home. Help them socialize with everyone around in the community space. Know that the early days of transitioning to the assisted living space are critical for their time at the assisted living community.

Those seeking a reliable choice of an assisted living community for their aging loved one dealing with difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) can contact us at Kingsley Senior Living. We are here to help your loved one have a graceful aging experience. With us, your loved one will get a multitude of expert care services under a single roof.