If you and your aging parents are starting a discussion on transitioning them to assisted living, you may be worried about the impact it can have on their physical and emotional well-being. It could certainly be intimidating for them to move to a new environment after living independently for such a long time. But there are some helpful things you can do for them to ensure an easy and pleasant transition. If you’re concerned about your aging parents moving to assisted living communities in Hillsborough County, FL, here are five key tips to help them transition over smoothly.
Discuss and Decide Together
The most crucial factor to take into account while researching assisted living options for your aging parents is involving them in the decision process. Although it’s undoubtedly a difficult decision for you to make, they as the prospective residents must be the ones to make the final decision.
Together, you and your aging parents should spend time listing down all the requirements you and they may have for an assisted living community. Advise them that the pressures of property ownership and upkeep are something they can leave behind forever! Furthermore, they get the chance to meet like-minded people and build new friendships.
Assist Them in Packing Sentimental Objects
Make sure your elderly parents take with them the belongings that have a special place in their hearts. They will have ample space in their apartment to store plenty of their cherished possessions which will help them feel right at home. They should bring along all their favorite outfits, photos of near and dear ones, and comforting knick-knacks to their new residence. Aside from that, you can help them pack some snacks they love as well. After such a significant change in their lives, they will need all these to feel more at ease.
Help Them Be Positive About Making New Friends
One of the biggest draws of an assisted living community is staying with folks their own age and having on-site personnel who will help ensure your elderly parents meet with others who share similar interests. The most essential thing for them to do is form friendships as early as possible so they can meaningfully connect with the community of support that assisted living environments are recognized for.
Encourage Them to Join Community Activities
Assisted living residents all get access to fun community activities throughout the day. Your aging parents’ prospective community will have a program manager who will keep them entertained and occupied with activities like age-appropriate exercise programs or exciting weekly games.
It’s imperative that you encourage them to join in and socialize as much as they can in the first several weeks of their residence. It will aid in distracting them from the emotions they are experiencing following such a major shift in their lives.
Establish a Familiar Routine to Follow
Your aging parents should also make an effort to continue with as much of their regular routines as they can. Most communities are open to being flexible when it comes to making arrangements. So if your parents love to sit on their bed watching TV every morning with a cup of tea in hand, simply inform their facilitator and he or she will be more than happy to help your parents develop a schedule that suits them.
