Moving into a senior living community is a significant change—and not just for your loved one, but your whole family! It’s a big move, and it can take some time for your loved one to adjust to their new home. However, it doesn’t have to be stressful; this change can be a positive experience for everybody involved if you properly plan ahead.
To help a loved one transition to a senior home, try to:
- Prepare for the move
- Pack efficiently
- Look at the logistics
- Set up the space
- Get to know the neighbors
- Check out the calendar
- Remember to visit
With your support, your loved one can enjoy a smooth and happy transition to their new home.
Prepare for the Move
With almost everything, preparation is key. Start by creating a detailed plan that outlines every step of the way.
Try to set aside specific dates for:
- Sorting through belongings
- Identifying items to bring
- Arranging for the transport of furniture
- Advising the senior home of any specific needs
- Coordinating with family and friends to help
Then, make sure you get a floor plan of the new living space. This can help you visualize where furniture and personal items can go, along with how much space your loved one will have in their new home. This way, you can have a clear plan that ensures the move goes smoothly!
Pack Efficiently
Packing can be one of the most overwhelming parts of the move, but with the right approach, it can be manageable. Start by sorting through belongings and deciding what can be taken to the new home. Try to encourage your loved one to focus on items that hold sentimental value and anything essential for their happiness every day.
Make sure you’re using sturdy boxes, and label them all clearly. Then, go room by room, and try to keep it as organized as you can. By packing efficiently, you can make a big difference in everybody’s stress levels on moving day!
Look at the Logistics
The logistics of a move can often be overlooked, but they’re just as important as anything else. You’ll need to:
- Choose the right moving day
- Arrange for utilities to be transferred, set up, or canceled as needed
- Update the address on any important documents
- Schedule a walkthrough of the senior home before moving day
By taking care of these logistics ahead of time, you can take a big weight off your loved one’s shoulders—and you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything.
Set Up the Space
Once the moving day comes, you’ll need to unpack. But don’t just bring the boxes inside and leave them—take some time and properly set up your loved one’s new space.
Try to decorate the area with familiar items from their old home—like pictures, knick-knacks, and decorations—to help them feel more comfortable in their new home. If possible, try to set up everything before you leave; this way, your loved one won’t have to worry about unpacking an entire home by themself!
Get to Know the Neighbors
Senior living communities offer more than just a place to stay—they provide a vibrant community where your loved one can feel part of a larger family. So once they’re settled, encourage them to get to know their neighbors!
Social connections are a crucial part of having a high quality of life. They play a crucial role in maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health, all while giving a strong sense of belonging. By beginning to build these relationships early, your loved one can easily integrate into their new environment and feel supported in everything they do.
If you need help figuring out where to start, check out the on-site events, amenities, and activities to see what the community offers. This can help your loved one learn more about what’s going on in the community and give them a chance to find a new hobby where they can be surrounded by like-minded people.
Whether it’s a fitness class, arts and crafts, or a game night, there’s a little something for everybody—so try and convince your loved one to get involved! It’s the first step towards building a strong social network.
Remember to Visit!
Once your loved one is settled in, it’s going to take some time before their new place feels like home. So make sure you’re regularly visiting—it’s an important step in the transition process.
Your presence can provide emotional support and reassurance to help your loved one adjust to their new home. Try to plan consistent visits ahead of time so your loved one constantly has something familiar to look forward to! Whether you’re sharing a meal, going for a walk, or joining them in their community events, your presence can make a big difference.
These visits don’t just strengthen the bond between the two of you—they show your loved one that they’re valued and appreciated as an important part of your life.
Schedule Your Visit Today!
Transitioning into senior living is a significant step, but it can be a positive experience with careful planning and support. At Urbana Place Senior Living, we believe in creating a community where residents feel at home. Schedule your visit today to learn more about how to transition your loved one to a senior living community.
