What Can You Do to Make the Transition to Assisted Living as Smooth as Possible for an Aging Parent?
Transitioning to Assisted Living for an Aging Parent
When your mother finally agreed to look into assisted living more than six months ago, you felt significant relief. You have been trying to get her to at least go on a tour and find out what it had to offer. She was hesitant for a long time and you continued to support her as best you could.
When she finally visited a local facility, discovered a number of friends were already living there and enjoying life, she agreed this would be perfect for her, it seems as though the date of her move would never arrive. Now, though, it’s just around the corner and you feel as though both you and her are in a kind of panic mode.
You want this move to be as smooth as possible.
There are plenty of things you can do to help create a smooth transition for your mother from the place she’s been living (whether or not she has been there for decades or just a few months) to this assisted living community.
First, get organized with a plan.
Whether the move is taking place next week, next month, or you have a little bit more time than that, sit down with a calendar, figure out what specifically needs to be accomplished by what date leading up to the move.
Second, go at your mother’s pace, as much as possible.
Try to avoid rushing things; it may take her some time to get used to the idea of letting various items go. These items might seem to have little value monetarily, but they could be incredibly sentimental to her.
Third, and list the support and assistance of other family and friends.
It’s not just about the physical help on the day of the move, but helping your mother get items down from the attic, up from the basement, to go through various items, to find family and friends who might be interested in some of these items, or possibly even organizing a tag sale or garage sale.
Finally, pay attention to your mother’s mental frame of mind during the process.
If she is showing signs of feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or even depressed, sit down and talk about what she’s experiencing. People will have doubts, second thoughts, or more questions. She may feel more comfortable revisiting the facility, speaking to administrators there, and understanding exactly what will take place during that transition.
These tips could create an as smooth as possible move for any elderly person considering assisted living.
For more information about assisted living facilities in Terrell Hills, TX, contact Pipestone Place Assisted Living or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.
- Thank You, Family Caregivers - November 22, 2022
- Fall Activities for Seniors with Dementia - October 28, 2022
- 7 Benefits of Memory Care for Seniors and Their Loved ones - September 26, 2022