Being a caregiver for an aging relative or friend is tough. As time goes by, you may start to notice your aging loved one is having a hard time doing normal tasks at home. If your aging parent is unable to manage their home or is accident-pronezz`z, it may be time to consider moving them into a senior living facility. Approximately 1 million people live in senior living communities in the United States.
Working with professionals is vital when trying to find the right senior living community for your loved one. Once the right community is chosen, your main goal needs to be helping your elderly loved one transition into their new living situation. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure a smooth transition into a senior living facility.
Develop a Checklist Early On
After a senior living facility is chosen, you need to get to work. The longer you wait to get started with things like packing and organizing, the harder it will be to get this work done in a timely manner. Staying organized throughout this process is crucial when trying to avoid mistakes. Developing and actually using a checklist is a great way to avoid mistakes.
This checklist will need to include a breakdown of what your elderly loved one needs in their new place of residence. For instance, if your aging loved one has a favorite soda or snack, you need to make sure they have plenty in their refrigerator and cupboards. By doing this, you can make an elderly person feel more at home. If your aging loved one is introduced to an environment that is completely unfamiliar, they will have a hard time adjusting. This is why having these creature comforts in place is so crucial.
Find Out More About Community Activities
Taking your loved one’s mind off of the fact that they aren’t in their home anymore is important. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by encouraging your aging loved one to participate in the activities offered in their new community. Generally, senior living facilities will take their residents out for shopping trips and a number of other fun activities. Finding out more about the activities being offered in the community can help you create a list of suggestions for your loved one.
Drop By To See Your Loved One Often
Moving into a senior living community can be stressful. Taking the time to stop in and visit your loved one on a regular basis is important. With these visits, you can take their mind off of the stress that comes with moving to a new home. This also allows you to spend quality time with the people you love.
Looking For a Senior Living Community?
Are you on the hunt for a senior living facility? Instead of trying to find a senior living facility on your own, contact Like Family Home Care for assistance.
