When we are children, we see our parents as wise superheroes who know everything and aren’t afraid of the dark. As we age, we start to see that they are only humans, with all their virtues and flaws. And the time flies by. It doesn’t stop for anyone and takes its toll on the human body and mind. At some point, your mom’s hands, which held your entire world, suddenly can’t do much without help. At that point, the best thing you can do for your parents is to help them find qualified professional help. To make this process a bit easier for you, we devised seven tips for moving your parents into an assisted living facility.
1. The first step is – an honest discussion
Adjusting to life in an assisted living community starts before the relocation. Not many seniors are actually eager to go to a care facility. So, to begin, it’s important to be forthright with your parents and establish reasonable expectations. Making the decision to move into an assisted living facility is a big one, and the talk about it might be challenging at first.
Let them know they’re safe
Some seniors may bring it up on their own or realize it’s time, while others may be reluctant to change. Whatever the case, make sure your parents know that these centers provide a safety net so they may live as independently as possible in a social setting.
2. Find the best facility
Help your parents discover the right care center by working with them. The optimal solution will consider both your parents’ likes and dislikes and their level of comfort. Your parents should only move into a facility if it can satisfy their medical requirements, especially if they need a greater level of care.
It’s good to visit the facility
Before moving your parents into an assisted living facility, a tour of the facilities is a good idea. Explore several places with your folks (if possible). It calms their nerves and gives them a better idea of which neighborhood they’d want to call home. Visiting your potential new home many times before making a final decision will help ease your mind about the significant transfer.
3. Narrow it down to three options
We know you want to give your parent all the options in this world. After all, they will live there for the rest of their lives. However, pro movers at the State to State Move suggest giving your parent three different alternatives for care centers to choose from. Your parent may feel hemmed in if you give them one or two alternatives to choose from. Also, it might be challenging to make a choice when presented with four or more alternatives.
4. Get ready as soon as you can
The process of relocating your parents to an assisted living facility requires prompt organization. When it comes to relocation, most seniors haven’t done it in decades due to the fact that they’ve been living in the same place. Also, they have amassed a significant collection of material goods.
Relocating, with all the decluttering and cleaning of your upholstered furniture, can need a significant amount of time. The last thing you want to do is spring the relocation on your parents at the last minute. They will be more receptive to the change if it is introduced gradually.
5. Have all of your parent’s stuff around them
Downsizing is common when residents move to an assisted living facility. It’s possible that the two-leaf dining table and buffet won’t fit in the new place. What works, though, are:
- pictures of loved ones
- photo albums
- novels read often
- a cat litter box you designed together
You may still bring comforts of home, like a favorite blanket and pillow, even if you have to minimize your bedroom set. Though the kitchen is brand new, you should still bring your mom’s favorite teacup. The conveniences of the home shouldn’t have to be left behind when they move.
6. Get help when moving your parents into an assisted living facility
As with any moving process, this one will be hard to execute on your own. Your old parents certainly can’t do the hard lifting, and it’s too much to expect you to do it on your own. Especially if you find a suitable facility far away, long-distance moving will require contacting professionals. Fortunately, many great long-distance movers in Texas can help your parents settle down with ease and comfort. Make sure to contact them as soon as you find a facility to ensure they’re not busy when you want to move.
7. Stop by every few days or every two weeks
The best way to help your parent in the first few weeks after moving is up to you, since only you know them best. Many professionals will encourage you to go there as frequently as possible. From time to time, bring them a little gesture of attention. Paying regular visits may help allay your parent’s fears of being forgotten or lonely. Having a friend along to events and the dining hall might help them make new friends more quickly.
However, if your parent is constantly contacting you throughout the day, refusing to leave their room, and expecting you to come and be their companion, it may be time to give them some space.
Let CORT Support You
While facing this new transition in both of your lives, remember that CORT is here to support your family. If you find that your parents are in need of a furniture upgrade, we have high-quality second-hand furniture at CORT Furniture Outlet that won’t break the bank. If you’re unsure what to do next, we also provide furniture rental as a flexible, temporary resource during this time of flux.
