It’s a lot to ask of an elderly family member to move into an assisted living community. Most people want to stay in their cozy homes, surrounded by their memories and possessions. However, when their care requirements grow, assisted living communities’ advantages in terms of safety, support, and social contact typically outweigh an elderly adult’s desire for familiarity.
For elderly people and the family members who are caring for them, this change can be difficult. However, by taking a few easy measures listed below, your loved one might feel more at ease and accepting of their new home. Here’s how to make assisted living feel like home.
Consider Their Viewpoint
It’s critical to realize that your perspective on this transition is probably very different from that of your elderly loved one. You consider this adjustment to be a good one that will give your parent(s) access to wholesome meals, on-site care, social activities, transportation, and many other things. However, this relocation implies a considerable loss to your parent(s).
They are leaving behind a significant portion of their past, even if they are moving from an older house to a brand-new assisted living community. This action is an admission of their transient independence.
Yes, many older adults are aware of and grateful for the numerous advantages that assisted living has to offer, but the actual transition is still difficult.
Be empathetic of your loved one’s complex feelings throughout the move by making it a point to check in on them at every step of the way.
Bring Some Sentimental Belongings During the Move
It’s a common myth that older adults have to say goodbye to all their treasured belongings when they move to a retirement community. In reality, they will be allowed to bring some of these items to make their new apartment feel like home, while the remaining items can be kept for safekeeping by family members.
Prior to the move, ask them about the items they feel most strongly about keeping. You can offer to store some of these items for them, incorporate some of these items into their new assisted living space, or ensure that heirlooms remain in the family by transferring them to other family members.
They’ll likely have limited space in their new place, though, so reassuring them that you’ll assist them to store or rehome items they don’t use frequently should lessen some of their sadness over having to part with a significant portion of their tangible past.
How to Decorate and Furnish an Assisted Living Apartment
The best method to know exactly what your loved one can bring, what needs to be stored, given away, donated, or discarded, is by taking into consideration the exact measurements of their new residence.
After selecting a floor plan that is advantageous for your loved one, the objective is to create a personalized, practical, and pleasant room for them to call their own.
Make it a top priority to acquire shelving, a cabinet, or a hutch so they can safely and conveniently display and keep their treasured possessions, such as photos, books, trophies, and collectibles. Walls are another great space to hang these sentimental items that remind them of their childhood and other life experiences!
