Tips for Transitioning Your Loved One into Senior Living

It can be challenging for your loved one to leave the home and neighbors they’ve always known into a new community of strangers. How do they deal with the complex emotions of transitioning and adjust to their new way of life? 

How do you make it easy for them to settle in from the start? At CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks, we’ve put together these tips to ease this transition for you and your loved one. 

Start early
The first step is to involve them in the conversation about senior living well in advance. You don’t want to wait until the last minute and add stress and anxiety to an already difficult situation. Addressing the matter early lets your loved one participate in the decision-making and ensure their wishes are respected.

Research senior living communities
Senior living communities and care options abound, with each community offering unique features, services, and atmosphere. 
Factors such as location, amenities, medical care, social activities, and overall quality of life are especially noteworthy, and if you’re unsure, reach out to us at CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks. 

We’ll meet with you and your loved one to understand their unique situation and leverage our familiarity and relationship with the local communities to find the perfect fit. 

Don’t forget the logistics
As you make plans, don’t forget to sort out logistics and other “housekeeping” affairs, such as canceling ongoing services like utilities, internet, and cable. Your loved one will get all of those at the new facility. 

For the move, seek the help of family and friends or professional movers to help move and organize the new space. Also, update their new address with the banks, postal service, etc.

Personalize their space
Personalizing your loved one’s space can help create a familiar environment, helping them settle in quickly. To do this, bring familiar items such as family photos and other sentimental items they cherish. By creating a personalized space, you can make their new environment feel more like home.

Give emotional support 
No matter how seamless the “physical” transition may be, it’s important that your loved one transitions emotionally, too. In this period, feelings like fear, sadness, frustration, and resistance are entirely normal. What to do? Be patient and understanding. Above all, allow them to express their feelings and reassure them that you will be there for them.
 
Spend time with them
One of the chief fears of loved ones is abandonment. To prevent your loved one from feeling like you’ve packed them off and abandoned them, visit regularly, especially during the first weeks. 

Spend enough time with them, explore the grounds, or even share a meal. Your frequent visits will be a source of reassurance that they won’t be dumped or abandoned. 

Help your loved one navigate this crucial journey today 
Transitioning your loved one into senior living is a significant life change. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks, we are here to guide you through the entire process at NO COST. As certified advisors, we will ensure your loved one moves into a community that allows them to live a happy and meaningful life.