Moving a loved one into a senior living facility isn’t easy. The transition can be difficult for them, but it can be difficult for you too. From packing to moving and helping them get settled in, there is a lot to do!
Take your time and follow these seven steps to help your loved one move, and you might actually enjoy every step of the process!
Coordinate the Move For Them
Actually moving stuff is one of the most stressful parts of moving. You can give yourself and your loved one peace of mind by coordinating the move yourself.
Efficiently move not-so-big loads across long distances with help from a smaller mover so you aren’t stuck paying for space in a huge truck you don’t need. Smaller movers tend to offer better service, which can make the process go much more smoothly.
Small movers also offer boutique services, like on-site packing, guaranteed delivery, and full-service setup at your final location. With customizable services for moves under 2,000 pounds, you’ll save money and the headache associated with larger movers.
Help Them Pack
Packing for a move can be hard for seniors, especially if they aren’t looking forward to moving into a senior living facility. Helping them pack can be a huge help.
Packing together gives your loved one the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane. They will likely share stories about items and photos you have never heard before. You’ll be glad to have those memories after they are gone.
Helping them pack means you can make sure they have the essentials they need when they first move in too. Help them pack an essentials box that includes:
- Important electronics
- Chargers
- Sheets and a pillow
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries, like shampoo and a toothbrush
- A few plates, utensils, and cups
- Medication
- Basic cookware
- Snacks and beverages
- Scissors, tape, a pen, and paper
- Basic first aid kit
Rent a Storage Facility
Getting rid of items can be extremely difficult for a senior, especially if they have been living in their current home for decades. If your loved one is having trouble parting with certain items, consider renting a storage facility.
Knowing that their items are safely stored away can provide them with peace of mind when they first move. After some time passes and they get along fine without their extra stuff, they may realize they don’t need it after all. You may then be able to get rid of their stuff or start passing it on to family members.
Combine Old and New Items in Their New Home
It can be a huge shock to walk into a new home that’s full of items they don’t recognize, but walking into a new space that’s full to the brim of old items can make them miss their previous home. It’s best to try and help your loved one strike a balance between old and new items in their senior living apartment.
Make it fun by working on the décor together. Go shopping for new items to get them excited about their new space. They might find a painting, a lamp, or a rug they want to include in their apartment.
After you’ve had a chance to go shopping, talk about older items they would like to incorporate with their new finds. It’s a lot easier to keep their favorite chair and get rid of an old end table or coffee table when they purchase a new one they like better.
Honor Their Old Home
Leaving behind an old home that’s full of happy memories is the hardest part of moving for most seniors. The solution isn’t to act like their old home is just a house and it’s not a big deal that they’re moving. Instead, take the time to honor their old home by:
- Have a picture or painting done of their old home
- Take and hang pictures of their favorite views in the old house
- Have them write and hide a secret letter in the house for the next owners
- Plant a favorite flower from their old garden in a pot to put in their new apartment
- Remove and replace an old doorframe where measurements were taken of children growing up
Help Them Plan Things to Do
It’s easy for your loved one to feel a bit down when they move into a senior living facility. Surrounded by so many new things and new people, it can be easy for them to hide away in their apartment.
There’s nothing wrong with relaxing and taking some private time to adjust, but it’s important to remember that busyness is associated with greater cognition. Having an engaged lifestyle helps us hang onto greater brain functioning for longer, but it also makes life a lot more fun!
Help your loved one plan fun things to do. That might include getting them involved with a group or helping them try out new hobbies.
You might also plan things for the two of you to do together outside the assisted living facility. Whether it’s shopping, grabbing lunch, or coming over for a family function, making sure your loved one has things to do makes the transition to senior housing much easier.
Visit Often
How often you visit your loved one at their new home is up to the two of you, but know that the more you visit, the better. Not only does it make your loved one feel cared for, it’s also beneficial for you. Someday, when your loved one is gone, you’ll be glad you took time out of your busy schedule to visit with them in their final years.
Moving is difficult no matter how old you are or where you’re going, but it can be especially difficult for older people who are making the transition to senior living. With the tips on this list, you can help your loved one move into a new apartment with a little less distress and a little more ease.
