At Oakleigh Macomb, we believe that choosing to move to assisted living to spend your retirement marks a significant decision in the lives of seniors. It’s a courageous decision not just for the aging individual but for the family as well. Families often spend days discussing this decision before concluding that this transition is a necessity and not a possibility. The emotional toll can weigh heavily on the family. While no magic wand can remove all your worries and anxieties linked to making this transition, following certain steps could help you reduce the probability of facing difficulties during this relocation. Here, we are sharing the top tips on how one can plan a smooth transition into their chosen assisted living community. Following these would help them ease the transition and make necessary adjustments to experience a successful transition.
Before The Move
To ensure planning everything effectively, it’s better to divide the whole moving process into two segments, i.e., things to do before the move and things to do after the move. This ensures the transition is smooth, positive, and fulfilling for both the senior and the family. Here are the steps that you need to follow for this.
Start With Open Communication
Having an open and honest conversation with your loved one is crucial, instead of just right away briefing them on the decision that you’ve made for them to move to assisted living. Plan for having an honest, empathetic, and ongoing conversation and address their concerns and anxieties.
Tour And Choose Carefully
It’s suggested to schedule a tour and visit the curated list of communities before finalizing one for your or your loved one’s future. If possible, take your loved one on tour and see which one suits their needs and preferences.
Involve Them In Decision-Making
Encourage the concerned senior to take part in the decision-making process as much as possible. Doing so will foster a sense of control and autonomy in them, eventually making the transition less daunting.
Downsize Strategically
For downsizing, follow a strategic approach. Start early, create a plan, and tackle one room or category at a time. Prioritize items that carry a lot of sentimental value, but at the same time, be realistic about what will fit in the new space.
Personalize The New Space
Family members need to help their loved one pack and set up their new living space with familiar furniture, photos, and cherished belongings to create a sense of home for them.
Connect With The Community
From routine daily activities to occasional social gatherings and initiatives, there’s a lot that goes on in the assisted living communities. To ensure your loved one makes a successful transition to the community, go and get to know the staff and residents. You can even visit during the social events or try the meals to see what kind of experience your loved one will get later.
Address Legal And Financial Matters
Before making the move, ensure the senior has all the necessary documents updated and organized to prevent making a rush during the actual move.
After The Move
The time after moving to an assisted living community is a very critical one. Taking the right practical steps during this time can make a real difference in the senior’s living experience in the community. Here’s a brief on how you can manage this pivotal transition.
Be Patient And Understanding
Acknowledge the fact that transition is a phase marked by factors such as emotional and mental stress. Before they can regain their initial spark, the family and the concerned senior must give themselves some time to adjust.
Encourage Social Engagement
Plan some visits to the community by yourself and encourage the loved one to take part in different activities like shared meals, social events, or fitness classes. Or you can also ask the community staff to support these efforts.
Maintain Regular Communication
Living far away from a loved one doesn’t mean one can’t continue their old bond with their close ones. As said before, the first few days of the transition play a key role in shaping the experience that the senior will have for the rest of the time. As a family member, you need to stay in touch with regular phone calls, visits, and check-ins.
Build Relationships With Staff
Try assisting your loved one in fostering a positive relationship with the care team and communicating any concerns or needs.
Focus On The Positive
To help your loved one comprehend what’s there for them in the community, brief them about the offered benefits. Talk to them about the advantages—like increased support, more social opportunities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle.
Seek Support
As a senior who has recently moved to an assisted living community, you can always seek support from family, friends, or support groups if needed. Needless to mention, the professionally trained staff is there to assist at all times.
Get Involved In Community Events
The community organizes a whole lot of community events and programs for the welfare of its residents, which create a sense of belonging among them. As a resident who has just shifted into such a community, getting involved in these activities can help you feel connected and enjoy a magnificent aging experience.
Oakleigh Macomb – A Vibrant Assisted Living Community
At Oakleigh Macomb, we operate with the sole purpose of serving seniors and making it easier for them to lead a healthy and merrier aging experience. For us, the residents matter the most. They are the ones who need support, dedication, and compassionate care the most during their golden years. With us, they get a wonderful aging experience as made possible by the world-class amenities and services offered at our community. For the whole year, our community maintains a vibrant atmosphere where residents truly enjoy life.
We care for the person as a whole, rather than just caring for their mental or physical needs. We believe in providing them with an enriching experience that redefines the meaning of retirement for them. We facilitate a carefree and convenience-led living experience for the residents while presenting them with a luxurious and furnished living space. Their experience with us is very homelike, with an active and professional staff available to serve them at every stage of their life journey. Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience our community for yourself to get a first-hand experience of what living in our community feels like.
