Transitioning from a house to senior living can be a positive and transformative experience, but it does require thoughtful planning and open communication with loved ones. Keeping contact with your loved one and community staff will help ease them into the transition and make it a successful experience.

To assist with the process, many communities offer tours and trial stays to allow seniors to experience a new lifestyle before moving day. Below are some tips to navigate the transition and prepare for a smooth move:

Make the Decision Together

A significant transition such as moving to senior living can be emotional, so it’s essential to make a decision together. Choose a family member your parents trust, and consider recruiting a medical expert, clergy member, or residential director to participate in conversations. Recruiting an objective voice will allow you to address your loved one’s concerns and help them understand the benefits of senior living.

Talking about a move gradually over time can make the definitive conversation less shocking and upsetting. It will give your parents time to adjust and think about their options. It’s essential to visit several senior housing Southeast Denver and find the one that is a good fit for your parent’s needs.

Plan Ahead

Regardless of what stage you are in the planning process, be sure to visit communities, take tours, and speak with staff members. Getting answers to your questions early on will make the transition much more straightforward.

Consider how long it will take to pack up a lifetime of belongings, even if you are working on a timeline. Prioritize the most critical items and start packing sooner rather than later.

Many senior living communities have programs and workshops to help with downsizing and the move-in process. Take advantage of these opportunities to get organized and help your loved one settle in quickly.

Get Organized

When packing for the move, start with items that will not be moved and work room by room. Resist the urge to start with a closet or a garage, which can be overwhelming.

Remember that cleaning services are typically included in a senior living community. Oversized furniture and extensive collections of books, puzzles, figurines, or games may be best left behind.

Getting involved in community activities is the quickest way to feel at home in a new environment. Maintaining ties with friends outside the community is also a great way to stay connected. It is often easier to do if a friend or family member lives nearby.

Communicate

It’s important to talk with your loved one about their concerns and expectations. Even if they seem small, you need to take them seriously. Work through them together and make arrangements to resolve them if required.

When touring prospective communities, please note whether they have a coffee shop, games room, or other places for socialization. Some also partner with universities to provide academic classes and cultural events. Be sure to ask if pets are welcome, as well. Some independent living or retirement homes have restrictions on size, but others allow dogs and cats. Some also offer pet services, such as grooming and walking.

Be Patient

The decision to move to senior living is often a tough one. It may be difficult for older adults to give up the maintenance of a home, the chores that have become too burdensome, or even the freedom to go out and run errands.

Getting used to a new environment will take time. But by staying focused on the reasons for making the move (safety, security, sanity), families can help their loved ones adjust to a new chapter in life. Moreover, the earlier the transition is made, the better. Many senior lifestyle communities have wait lists, and the sooner your loved one’s name is placed on the list, the greater their chances are of moving in quickly.

Be Supportive

Transition to assisted living can be challenging for seniors. They may mourn the loss of their home, their independence, and some of their family relationships. It’s essential to validate their feelings and be patient.

It’s also helpful to plan regular visits after the move. During these visits, you can help them get familiar with the community, participate in events, and meet new neighbors. It will help your loved one feel connected and supported as they continue to acclimate to their new life.