When it’s time to look into senior living options, everything can feel a bit overwhelming. It’s crucial to help seniors through this process, from the decision to move into a senior living facility to the actual move and getting settled into their new home. With so much to do, it is crucial to take it step by step and think about everything carefully to make sure the loved one is as comfortable as possible throughout the move.
Choose a Facility With Expert Care
It is a good idea to look carefully at all of the options locally to find the right facility for a loved one. Before the move into senior living, check out the different facilities and learn more about what they offer, how they are set up to help the loved one, and more. Look for skilled nursing services, activities to help keep the loved one active, and any other special needs the loved one might have to make sure there are appropriate accommodations.
The Emotional Toll of Moving
Understand that there is an emotional toll when moving to a new home, especially for seniors who may be leaving a home they’ve lived in for many years. This emotional toll needs to be carefully considered throughout the moving process to help the senior handle the move and be better prepared emotionally for everything that will come next. Take time to talk to them about everything to help them process their emotions as they occur.
Packing and Storing Belongings
Start by decluttering the home to see what’s left. From there, decisions need to be made about what is going to move with the person, what may need to be put in storage, what will be given to friends and family, and what will be sold or donated. This can be a long part of the process and it may be one of the hardest parts, as the person may not want to get rid of a lot of their belongings. It may be better to store the ones they can’t take for now so they don’t have to make a ton of decisions right away.
The Cost of Moving into a Facility
Moving into a senior living facility can be incredibly expensive, so it is important to consider the finances before moving. Look into options to help cover the costs if needed. Don’t forget to take into account the costs of moving into the facility. Sometimes there will be additional fees needed to move in, plus the person may need to purchase basic supplies, decor for their room, and more to get settled in and ready to enjoy the new home.
How to Help Loved Ones Prepare
Be sure to take time to help the senior with the move. They may need help with everything from planning the move to packing or getting settled in. Since this can be an overwhelming process, start everything early so it’s possible to go at their pace and not make them feel too rushed to get moved into the new place.
If a loved one needs more care and may not be able to live on their own anymore, senior living facilities can be a great option. However, the process of finding one and moving in can be complex, so it is important to take it slow and to help them through each part. Use the tips here and go through everything step by step to help them be more comfortable with the process and with the new possibilities going forward.
