Assisted living is more popular today than ever, as it provides an excellent mix of freedom and assistance to older adults. There are 30,600 assisted living communities in the U.S., with almost 1.2 million licensed beds.
However, it's important to acknowledge that despite the benefits, transitioning to assisted living can be a daunting task for many families.
Any relocation is a significant change, but as a family, there are strategies you can employ to ease this process. In this guide, we'll offer advice you can use to assist with the transition.
Continue reading to learn valuable ideas and tips for helping your loved one move to assisted living in Lehigh, FL.
Transitioning to assisted living doesn't happen overnight. Instead, it's a process that begins with planning the move. There are numerous senior living options, including assisted living.
If you decide that's the right option, you'll still need to choose the community. You can research communities online, but this method has some drawbacks.
Researching communities online is a good place to start, but you should also visit them. Part of the decision is finding a community that suits your loved one's needs and challenges.
Every community is different, and each offers various amenities and services. Lehigh Acres is a prime destination in Florida. You can schedule a tour if you want to see what it offers.
While planning the move, always include your loved one in the details and decisions. Ask their opinions, learn what they want, and remember that moving to senior living is hard.
Your loved one may initially resist the idea, but they may come around after a while. Demonstrate empathy as they talk about their feelings and concerns relating to the move. After all, moving to a new home isn't easy.
You must handle signing the paperwork and assisting with the registration and legalities of the move. The community will help you with this and give you a date in which your loved one can move into their unit.
Choosing the right community for your loved one is essential, and it's the first step. Next, you must plan for the move and create a timeline and list of things to complete.
One step is helping your loved one downsize. Many older adults live in the same house for decades. If this is the case, you might have a lot to do to help your loved one move.
Handling these tasks is also challenging in many situations. Your loved one can bring some things to the assisted living community, but they won't have room for everything.
Some of the best assisted living tips suggest methodically choosing items to bring with them. Here are some ideas to help them do:
If possible, try to handle the downsizing yourself. In other words, avoid adding stress on your loved one, as they may already feel enough stress simply from moving.
Helping seniors transition by alleviating their stress may place the stress and work on you, but it will also make the move smoother for them.
One of the top goals is to help them prepare the unit so it feels nice. Find out if you can bring some of their furniture to the community. If so, ask for room dimensions to ensure it will fit.
Additionally, always keep an open line of communication with your loved one. Ask their opinions, and make sure you try to meet their needs and desires.
Hopefully, your loved one will ease into assisted living life, but you can play a role in this aspect. The first few weeks may be the hardest, but with your help, the transition may go better.
There are several ways to do this:
The way you talk about and view the move can affect how your loved one feels. Stay positive with them and demonstrate compassion and empathy when they need it.
Next, show support for the move by staying involved. Go to the community often and spend time with your loved one. Stay for a few hours to talk or play cards.
Walk around the grounds with them to learn as much as you can about the community. Attend some activities with them or share a meal. Your time there will mean a great deal to your loved one.
Social connections are vital for older adults, but they might be reluctant to participate. Encourage them to do things with the other residents. When they do this, they'll meet other people and form friendships.
Ask the staff for an activity calendar to learn about the options. This list will include group activities, such as games or exercise groups, and other things.
It might take some time for your loved one to feel "home" in the assisted living community, so be patient. Continue visiting them often and encourage other relatives and friends to stop by.
Consider using technology to have face-to-face calls when you're not able to be there physically. This option keeps you connected and is simple to do, and you can do it even when you're sick or on vacation.
You could also aim to keep some of your family traditions alive even after the move. These steps can show your loved one how much you care and can help them keep their memories alive.
Transitioning to assisted living requires planning and work. Be intentional and focus on its benefits. Your loved one can thrive in this environment and be safe and cared for.
Lehigh Acres Assisted Living offers beautiful, private apartments for the residents. We provide the amenities and services many people look for when choosing an assisted living community.
Visit us to see our community or reach out to learn more.