The process of moving can be very stressful, and this is especially true for those who are moving from a private home into an assisted living home. In addition to the stress of moving and downsizing, your emotions might be conflicted as well. Certainly assisted living has some important advantages over living on your own, but it's still an emotional change. Here are a few ways to make this change a little bit easier.
The first thing you have to do is find a good facility and these days most areas offer a variety of assisted living options. If you can find a place close to family and friends, this certainly is a huge advantage and definitely can lessen anxiety. To find a suitable facility, talk to friends and ask for recommendations or use a company that specializes in finding assisted living communities. CarePlacement.com, for instance, will look at all of your needs as well as your budget and the amenities you want and find a matching facility in your area.
Once you find a place that seems comfortable, it is time to get ready to move out of the old home and into the new one. Assisted living facilities generally offer small apartments, ranging from studio units to two-bedroom units. This means that most of your possessions will not fit into the new home. This can be one of the hardest parts of the move. If you are a child helping your parent with this process, patience and compassion are essential. After all, your parent has spent a lifetime acquiring these possessions, many of which have good memories attached to them.
One way to make this process easier is to first part with items that have little emotional value. Consider holding a yard sale or garage sale or giving these items to charity. When it comes to more prized possessions, consider giving some items to friends and family as special gifts. You can also rent a small storage space and store some valuables there for a time. This can bring great peace of mind to some people, as they realize that their belongings are still accessible, even if they are not nearby every day.
It is very wise to take some items that really provide comfort, such as photographs or perhaps special decorations and a few pieces of artwork. While your new apartment might not be huge, it can still be homey and welcoming. Remind yourself or your loved one that one of the biggest advantages of assisted living is that you don't have to deal with many chores, such as keeping up a big house and yard. Housekeeping and laundry usually are included in the monthly fees, and your meals are prepared for you, as well, which means you don't have to deal with mundane chores and can simply do what you like.
Another advantage of assisted living facilities is that most offer a wide mix of amenities, from great food, exercise classes, social events and perhaps even a swimming pool. All of those items are included, but there also might be an on-site spa or hair salon. While this will cost extra, it can be very convenient to have this close by. Family members should schedule visitations at convenient times and also take part in activities at the facility or even enjoy dinner or lunch with their loved one. While most facilities offer transportation to places such as the movies, shops and doctor's offices, don't forget to take your loved one places, as well. Going out to dinner or to family events is always a great idea, so don't forget to include your parent whenever possible.
The first thing you have to do is find a good facility and these days most areas offer a variety of assisted living options. If you can find a place close to family and friends, this certainly is a huge advantage and definitely can lessen anxiety. To find a suitable facility, talk to friends and ask for recommendations or use a company that specializes in finding assisted living communities. CarePlacement.com, for instance, will look at all of your needs as well as your budget and the amenities you want and find a matching facility in your area.
Once you find a place that seems comfortable, it is time to get ready to move out of the old home and into the new one. Assisted living facilities generally offer small apartments, ranging from studio units to two-bedroom units. This means that most of your possessions will not fit into the new home. This can be one of the hardest parts of the move. If you are a child helping your parent with this process, patience and compassion are essential. After all, your parent has spent a lifetime acquiring these possessions, many of which have good memories attached to them.
One way to make this process easier is to first part with items that have little emotional value. Consider holding a yard sale or garage sale or giving these items to charity. When it comes to more prized possessions, consider giving some items to friends and family as special gifts. You can also rent a small storage space and store some valuables there for a time. This can bring great peace of mind to some people, as they realize that their belongings are still accessible, even if they are not nearby every day.
It is very wise to take some items that really provide comfort, such as photographs or perhaps special decorations and a few pieces of artwork. While your new apartment might not be huge, it can still be homey and welcoming. Remind yourself or your loved one that one of the biggest advantages of assisted living is that you don't have to deal with many chores, such as keeping up a big house and yard. Housekeeping and laundry usually are included in the monthly fees, and your meals are prepared for you, as well, which means you don't have to deal with mundane chores and can simply do what you like.
Another advantage of assisted living facilities is that most offer a wide mix of amenities, from great food, exercise classes, social events and perhaps even a swimming pool. All of those items are included, but there also might be an on-site spa or hair salon. While this will cost extra, it can be very convenient to have this close by. Family members should schedule visitations at convenient times and also take part in activities at the facility or even enjoy dinner or lunch with their loved one. While most facilities offer transportation to places such as the movies, shops and doctor's offices, don't forget to take your loved one places, as well. Going out to dinner or to family events is always a great idea, so don't forget to include your parent whenever possible.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. For additional details about assisted living Encinitas facilities or for professional help finding board and care Del Mar services, please go to the CarePlacement.com site now.
1 comments:
Even if the situation calls for it, transitioning from the home to a care setting can be tough. But if people will apply the tips you mentioned, adjusting to the change can be less burdensome. I’m sure our readers will find this post useful so we featured this post in out Weekly Digest. You can read it here http://www.ltcoptions.com/weekly-digest-long-term-care-services-reaching-financial-stability/.
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