When it is time for aging parents to move to a home where more services are available to help with their health needs, there are steps to make the move easier. The first step is open and compassionate communication. When the parents have decided it is time to seek a home that is easier to maintain and to receive assistance in, the process can begin.

Choose Assisted Living Communities Near Family and Friends

The couple or individual and their family should look for Independent Living Near Me choices. The senior person or couple will be happier if they can move to a home that is close to their old neighborhood, friends, and family. The family will have an easier time visiting them and checking on their care.

It is important to choose an assisted living care community carefully. Once a community has been chosen, the couple or person and their families can take steps to make the move go more smoothly. Choose the community or facility that offers the services that are needed now, and then can add services when they are needed. Don’t forget the social aspect of senior living. The facility should provide activities and opportunities for socialization and making new friends.

6 Ways To Make the Move Go Smoothly

There are at least 6 ways to prepare for a move to an assisted living facility to go more smoothly.

1. Start planning before a move is needed. Some people have benefited by moving in stages. First, sell the large family home and move to a short lease apartment. Then, take the time to find the right assisted living community to move to when needed. When the couple or person is still relatively healthy and mentally able to be part of the decision, it is less traumatic. The senior person should be given time and the emotional support they need for this transition.

2. Start downsizing before any move is planned. Getting rid of belongings that are no longer needed or enjoyed can be liberating. Choose the furniture and belongings that are really important and will fit in the smaller apartment or assisted living home space. If these choices are made early, there will be time to give away or sell the items for more money. Online marketing, estate sales, and selling to local antique shops can bring in money to help finance the move.

3. Ask family and friends if there are items they would like. Many belongings don’t have financial value, but they do have sentimental value. Ask the family to help with the downsizing process and the moving day effort.

4. A little at a time, clean out closets, drawers, attics, basements, and garages. Have a family member or an expert determine what each item is worth and the best way to sell it while there is plenty of time to go for the best price. Some items will need to be disposed of without selling or gifting.

5. Consider filling a storage container with sentimental items to be taken with the new living arrangement. Limiting yourself to one container will help make important choices. Another idea is to take digital photos of favorite items before they are disposed of. Grandchildren can be helpful for this job.

6. Choose the assisted living community and the unit to move to. Then, get a floor plan and take measurements of every room, noting storage areas. Now, decide which furniture and accessories will fit in the new home. This way you decide what to keep first and then what needs to be disposed of.

Embrace the New Life

Once the couple or person has reduced their belongings to what will fit in the new home, there will be less stress and they can enjoy the new chapter of their lives. It might be helpful to purchase a few new pieces of furniture for the new home. Treating the move as a new chapter in life is a good way to be happier. There are senior service organizations to help with the choice of living arrangements and other senior issues.