Sponsored Partner Content by Sunrise Senior Living




Moving is difficult no matter what age you are. For seniors, the transition from their private home to an assisted living community may be especially difficult because of what they may be leaving behind. This generation typically lived in the same home for decades. Their house may hold a lifetime of memories spent with their spouse, children, and grandchildren.

What can you do to help your senior loved one make a smooth transition to an assisted living community? Here are six tips from Sunrise Senior Living.

1. Research best practices for downsizing: Families often struggle to figure out the best way to downsize a senior loved one’s home. It can make the weeks and months leading up to a move more stressful than necessary. Try researching online and asking friends for any advice they may have.
2. Recreate their familiar environment: While it might be tempting to sell your loved one’s old furniture and start fresh, they’ll likely settle in more quickly if their new environment looks and feels more like home. Make sure the furniture and household belongings they treasure most find a place in their new assisted living apartment.
3. Start getting involved: Don’t wait until after your family member moves to encourage them to get involved in their new senior living community. In most cases, participating in life-enrichment activities and community events before moving day is a better approach. Also, ask the staff about periodically coming by for lunch or dinner so your loved one can meet and get to know fellow residents. This can also help ease their anxiety when moving day arrives.
4. Schedule family visitors: The first few weeks following a move can be a juggling act for families. While you might be tempted to visit all day every day for a while, doing so might keep your older loved one from getting involved and making new friends. On the other hand, you don’t want them to feel abandoned when they are likely anxious and uncertain. It might help to set up a schedule for when friends and family will visit. This ensures a steady stream of visitors while still encouraging your family member to get involved in new activities.
5. Plan a housewarming party: Another way to help ease the transition is by planning a party. It will give your senior loved one something to look forward to and a chance to show off their new home. Talk with the dining staff at the assisted living community to see if they can help arrange snacks.
6. Be prepared for difficult days: Despite the thoughtful care and preparation involved with transitioning your loved one to an assisted living community, you’re still likely to encounter a few minor bumps along the way. When challenging situations occur, it’s important to understand that these are a normal part of the transition. As your family member begins to settle in and enjoy all that the assisted living community has to offer, you’ll both soon get peace of mind and additional comfort.