Facing a transition into assisted living can be both a significant life event and a complex logistical endeavor. For the whole family, this move can represent a shift in lifestyle and the start of a new chapter. If you or a loved one is approaching this pivotal moment, having a structured plan can help streamline the process and ease the burden of change.
Navigating a Sensitive Conversation
The conversation about moving to an assisted living community is among the most sensitive you will have with your loved one. It’s important to approach it with care and consideration. Here are some tips to help in this pivotal discussion.
Choose the Right Moment
Timing is everything. Choose a moment when you and your loved one are relaxed and have time to thoroughly discuss the decision.
Be Direct & Honest
Openness is key. Be direct about why you feel assisted living is the best option and what the benefits will be. Address any concerns they may have with honesty and empathy.
Involve Your Loved One
Make them a part of the process. Discuss facilities together, visit if possible, and include them in every decision you make. It’s their home, so honoring their preferences will make the move more palatable.
Plan for Multiple Conversations
For many, the move to assisted living is a significant adjustment. Don’t expect to cover everything in one discussion—plan for multiple conversations that will allow the decision to settle and acceptance to grow.
The ABCs of Assisted Living Selection
The first step in your moving process is to find the right community. But what should you be looking for? Here are 3 key areas to consider:
Assessing Care Needs
Do you need a place specializing in dementia care, or do you seek a more independent living environment with minimal assistance? Consider your loved one’s medical, social, and daily living needs.
Ask about the types of medical services provided or the proximity to the hospital. Make sure they can handle any specific conditions or care routines necessary for your loved one. If possible, arrange a visit or a virtual tour to see the level of care firsthand.
Budgeting & Finances
Understanding the costs associated with assisted living is crucial. Different levels of care come with different price tags, and it’s essential to have a clear picture of what’s covered under the base fee and what falls into additional costs. Gather financial information, including income, savings, investments, and long-term care insurance policies.
Comfort & Amenities
Amenities play a big role in the quality of life. Look beyond the basics to see what will make the new space feel like home. Prioritize the aspects that will help maintain a comfortable and fulfilling life and make sure the community aligns with those needs.
A Timeline for the Transition
Transitioning to assisted living requires precise timing to make sure everything is in place for a comfortable move. Here’s a general timeline to help you plot out your move:
6 Months Before
Start the initial research on communities in your area and begin the discussion with your loved one about moving.
3 Months Before
Narrow down your choices based on visits and references. If the family is involved in the decision, schedule a visit or organize a virtual tour.
Start sorting belongings, decide what to keep, give away, or sell, and make plans for items that won’t fit in the new living space.
Perhaps hire movers, start organizing the necessary paperwork, and arrange the sale or transfer of the current residence.
1 Month Before
Begin packing non-essentials; label boxes for easy unpacking in the new home.
Complete any necessary medical checks or vaccinations.
Prepare change-of-address notifications and plan for services to be disconnected at the old address and connected at the new one if needed.
Moving Day
Make sure all essentials are packed separately and available for immediate use in the new home. Take time to acclimate to the new space emotionally; encourage your loved one to participate in welcome activities.
The Final Rehearsal
Before making the big move, several rehearsals can help you feel more prepared:
A Trial Stay
Many facilities offer the option to have a loved one stay for a short period to get a feel for life in the community. This trial run can be beneficial in adjusting to the new environment.
A Small Move
Consider doing a moving rehearsal where you take some non-essential items to the new place before the official move. Spend time there, arrange furniture, and do some unpacking to get a sense of how the new space can feel like home.
A Farewell Tour
Take the time to say goodbye to the old home. This can be an emotional but therapeutic moment for you and your loved one.
The Journey Ahead
By taking the time to construct a thoughtful transition plan, you can reduce stress and uncertainty for everyone involved. Keep the lines of communication open, seek support from medical professionals and community staff, and remember to approach each step with the love and care that the event deserves. While the move might mark the end of an era, it also signals the promise of new beginnings and the opportunity for a fulfilling, supported life in a vibrant, comfortable community.
Our community at Peregrine Senior Living at The Athenaeum of Skaneateles offers assisted living in what was once a mansion, now turned into a comfortable home for older adults. The support your loved one will find here includes the basics like housekeeping and meal prep, as well as community events and activities to keep them active and engaged.
We enjoy getting to know our residents and place emphasis on documenting their stories and history. Family is a cornerstone of our community, so you are encouraged to come and visit. To learn more or to schedule a visit, please contact us.
