Transitioning a loved one from their home to a senior living community can be an emotional and difficult decision, but ultimately rewarding for both you and your loved one. Managing the logistics of the move can also seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips for making the process a little easier, from pre-move planning to settling in after the transition.
What to Do Before the Move to a Senior Living Community
Whether your loved one is moving to assisted living or an independent living community, certain strategies can minimize the stress for everyone involved (including you!).
Make a Plan
Have a detailed plan and schedule for helping your loved one right-size, pack, and prepare physically for the move. You’ll know what’s coming next, and your loved one will have a roadmap they can refer back to if they experience confusion or uncertainty leading up to the move.
Explain the Process
Depending on your loved one’s state of mind, this move may feel overwhelming. It is normal for them (and you!) to feel anxious. After you’ve helped them make a moving plan, explain the process in detail and make sure they know you are there to support them.
Highlight the Benefits
One way to build excitement for your loved one’s move to a Florida senior living community is to emphasize the variety of benefits they’ll gain from the transition. Some enrichment opportunities and features you might highlight include those such as:
- Culinary Delights: Describe the diverse dining options, from casual cafes to formal restaurants, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences.
- Social Connections: Highlight the opportunities for forming new friendships and engaging in social activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
- Resort-Style Amenities: Showcase the community’s amenities—pools, fitness centers, libraries, and arts and crafts studios—that promote an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
- Wellness Programs: Emphasize the focus on holistic well-being, including fitness classes, health workshops, and access to healthcare services.
- Embrace the Florida Lifestyle: Highlight the community’s proximity to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and the vibrant Florida lifestyle.
Add Personal Touches
If possible, work with the team at your loved one’s new home to infuse your loved one’s new living space with familiar comforts—family photos, cherished mementos, and favorite artwork—ahead of the move. If you can prepare their living space with things that will make it feel more like home from the moment they walk through the door, this can help the transition go more smoothly.
How to Handle Moving Day
Once all the planning and prep comes to fruition, a successful moving day reduces stress and sets the stage for a smooth future in the new senior living community for your loved one. Here are a few ways to set yourself up for success on moving day.
Request On-Site Support
Team members at your loved one’s new community should be available the day of your loved one’s move to help make sure everything goes smoothly. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional support if it’s needed, or request time to help your loved one get adjusted to the people who will be caring for them on a daily basis while you are still there, so it’s easier to build comfort and trust.
Schedule Relaxation Time
Once the necessities of the move are taken care of, ensure there is time to relax and settle in with your loved one. It will be easier for them to adjust to their new surroundings if you are there to ease the transition. If possible, ask for dinner to be delivered for the evening so everyone has time to decompress.
Be Patient With Your Loved One
Transitioning to a senior living community is a big move – physically and emotionally. The intensity of the change may trigger some anxiety in your loved one. Try to be extra patient with them throughout the day and address negative reactions by working through the underlying emotional issue and soothing those fears or concerns. Most importantly, help them get settled into their new community by accompanying them to the dining room for a meal, going over the activity calendar with them, or planning the next day with them.
After the Move to a Senior Living Community
Once moving day is done, there are still a number of things you can do to care for your parents or loved ones after they move. Work with the care team at your loved one’s new home to create a customized plan that addresses their specific needs and provides plenty of room for them to still feel independent and excited about their daily routine.
Explore Senior Living Options at Harbour’s Edge
At Harbour’s Edge, we believe that the key to a life well lived is in caring for your whole being: body, mind and spirit. Whether that is as a member of our independent living community or those who need skilled nursing or rehabilitation services, our expert team members are dedicated to helping your loved one enjoy life to its fullest.
Schedule a tour today to see what life is like at Harbour’s Edge.
