We’d like to help you move your aging parents into assisted living in a way that works for everyone involved. In Part 2 of this 2-part post, we look at some things that are often overlooked in the move process. Where Part 1 looked at all the people to involve in your move team, Part 2 helps get your parent adjusted in their new home.
Before getting into that, we want to remind you that a move like this needs to center on the well-being of the parent. We get that this is hard on you too, and that sometimes it is necessary to take control in order to get things done. Just remember, aging parents operate at a different speed than their adult children. There are things about technology and the pace of our lives that exhausts them. Try to put yourself in their shoes as you help them move into their new home in an assisted living community. We hope this information will help.
Your Parent Plays an Integral Part in the Transition to Assisted Living
Remember that part your parent plays is essential to a successful transition to assisted living. Ask them what THEY would like – What would make THEM feel supported? Whenever possible, make sure to include them as an active part of the equation. Before you assume they are stressed out, ask about their stress level. If their stress or anxiety is high, ask them what they think would help them most.
What would help your parent, is likely different from what would help you. Sometimes their stress level is heightened because they feel overwhelmed or rushed. They may simply need you to slow down and try to accommodate their pace. When in doubt, ask!
If your parent is in relatively good health, it may be best to play more of a support role in the move. Holding their hand too tightly can actually be a detriment. Remember, they are an adult! Sure they can use your help right now; however, it is still THEIR life. In general, the more active your parent is in the overall move process, the more successful the transition to assisted living is. Remember, your parent is likely still capable many things. Find the things at which they excel and have them focus their attention there!
Tips to Help Aging Parent Adjust to Assisted Living
Get Curious – Remind your Mom or Dad to keep and open mind and ask questions! Too often, assisted living can be seen as the end of the road, when it could just as easily be seen as the start of a new adventure. It is a choice! Remind your parent that they still have one, and see what you can do to help them get curious about their new community.
Become Involved – Like any new home, assisted living offers opportunities for your senior parent to become involved and help make decisions that affect their community. Suggest they join a group, committee, even the board if possible. The idea is to become engaged. As a participant, involved in the new community in which they reside, they are likely to feel more at home.
Be Social – Through community involvement and activities, friendships naturally grow. Encourage your parent to develop new friendships and look for ways to keep them connected to their friends outside the assisted living community. Make sure their email is set up and that they have good phone reception. If they no longer drive, help them learn about transportation alternatives so they can visit with the friends they have. This connection is as important as participation in the activities offered at their assisted living facility. Help them develop a balance between the two.
To Read Part 1 – Click Here
We wish you all the best as you and your parent navigate this transition. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and need a mover or a storage facility, we hope you will be in touch. We have plenty of experience with senior moves and are happy to share what we know with you.
Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
Photo Credit – A special thank you to Valley Pines, an Assisted Living Community nestled on a beautifully maintained, Morgan Hill property full of pine and fruit trees, and flowering gardens. The facility and grounds are maintained by the owners of this wonderfully unique facility, and the photo in our post shows one of their rooms.
