Assisted living communities provide care and housing options for older adults who require help with daily living. Many of these communities offer a variety of services, including personal care, recreation and health care.
They are designed to allow residents to live as independently as possible while they receive direct care and support on site. Most have private rooms and apartments as well as shared common areas such as a dining room.
If you or a loved one is planning to move into an assisted living facility, you should follow our essential checklist to make the process smooth.
Pre-Move Planning
Before a move, you should create a checklist to help with the transition.
First, make sure that you research all options and choose the right community for you. Take into consideration things such as the location, services offered and cost.
Any community you choose should have the proper licenses as well as a good reputation. It’s also important to consider what level of care you need so you can choose a facility that provides that care to you.
Visit the community to see what it’s like, and meet with residents and staff.
In the meantime, inquire about a senior moving company, which can reduce the stress related to your move by handling all the logistics.
Financial Planning and Affordability
Any facility you choose needs to fit into a budget you can afford. Research the average cost of assisted living facilities and compare it to any other long-term care option you might have, including nursing homes.
Packing and Labeling
In the moving phase, start by packing all non-essential items well in advance of your move. Create a labeling system that will help you keep track of your belongings in each box, and consider color-coding the boxes by room for easy unpacking.
A senior move manager or professional organizer can also be of great assistance during this process, as well as for moving and unpacking.
Settling into the New Space
As you get settled into your new space, it’s important to arrange your furniture and belongings so that you or your loved one feels comfortable. Encourage your loved one to get involved in activities so they can meet new friends in the community.
Working with Care Providers and Staff
It’s very important to establish a collaborative relationship with staff and care providers at the facility. Communicate honestly and openly about any needs, concerns and preferences your loved one has.
Attend care meetings or conferences, if you can, to stay involved in their care.
Finalizing the Move and Next Steps
Ensure that all of your loved one’s necessary documents, including insurance information and medical records, are in order. Plan for their ongoing care and support, and make sure to schedule regular communication and visits with staff.
If you need additional support or resources, such as therapy or counseling, these could help your loved one adjust to their new community as well.
Remember, hiring a dedicated and experienced senior move manager such as the ones at Caring Transitions can help make the move to an assisted living facility stress-free.
For more information, please contact us today.