Helping Aging Parents Adjust to Assisted Living

Despite the advantages that assisted living has to offer, it can be very difficult for seniors to make the change. By planning this move in advance, adult children can help their parents have a smoother transition to assisted living Villanova. A smoother move can encourage seniors that they’re making the right choice. The following guidelines can help facilitate the transition process so seniors can enjoy their new community to the full. 

Help with Packing & Set Up of New Environment

After living in the same place for 20, 30 or 40 years, it’s only natural for seniors to have regrets in leaving their old home behind. Adult children can make it easier by helping them pack and move. Taking meaningful possessions and goods to their new location will help seniors create an environment that feels more like home. Having their adult children’s physical help and support can reduce moving costs.

Adult children should let parents decide what items to take and what to leave behind. In some ways, it’s better for parents to take too much rather than risk discarding something they may regret later on. Once they’re settled in their new environment, parents can make less emotional decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of. For the present, however, they may feel better surrounding themselves with the comforts of home.

Say Farewell to Old Home

Before moving to their new location, seniors may want to plan one last event as a farewell to their old home. Adult children can organize a family reunion, dinner party or BBQ to commemorate the occasion. Part of saying good-by is remembering the good times parents and siblings shared in a family home. A farewell celebration will add last minute happy memories that parents can take with them when they move.

Work with Assisted Living Staff

Assisted living staff members carry a big responsibility in caring for senior residents in their community. Adult children can help their aging parents establish a good relationship with local staff from the start. Seniors should make an effort to get to know staff members by name and inquire about their job. This helps establish a good rapport that will grow as time goes on.  

Adjusting to an assisted living lifestyle may take time. By helping to facilitate this transition, adult children can make this a positive experience for everyone involved.