Moving to a senior living community can be an overwhelming and emotional process. You or your loved one might experience lots of different feelings, including excitement, sadness, apprehension, stress, and more. This adjustment period can be especially challenging for seniors moving to an assisted living or memory care community. Fortunately, preparation can make all the difference and make this transition as easy and seamless as possible. This post will provide a helpful checklist of what to expect when moving to a senior living community to ensure your or your loved one’s transition to a senior living community is quick, uncomplicated, and maybe even fun and exciting!
Preparing for the Move
- Understand and choose the level of care required. Before you even begin looking for a senior living community, you’ll need to know what level of care you or your loved one needs. The main levels of care at a senior living community are:
- Independent Living. Independent living is the lowest level of care. If independent living is right for you, you or your loved one doesn’t currently need any help with daily life. You are considering senior living for the community interaction, amenities, safety, security, peace of mind, activities, meals, housekeeping, transportation, etc and don’t have advanced medical needs.
- Assisted Living. If you or your loved one needs some help with activities of daily living, assisted living is the best choice. You’ll get all the benefits of independent living, plus any assistance you might need.
- Memory Care. If you or your loved one has dementia, Alzheimer’s, cognitive decline, or another memory loss disorder, a memory care community will meet your needs best. These communities provide all the benefits of both assisted and independent living, as well as special therapies and treatments for memory loss, plus additional safety and security measures.
- Skilled Nursing Care. A skilled nursing community provides the most care you can receive outside of a hospital. Skilled nursing is the best choice if you or your loved one has advanced medical needs, like routine IV therapy, wound care, speech therapy, physical therapy, etc.
Find a Community
- Find and tour communities. Once you have determined the type of community that will best meet your needs or the needs of your loved one, it’s time to choose a community. Contact communities near you or near where you’d live to live, and schedule tours. Make sure to ask lots of questions! Consider the price, location, amenities, and levels of care offered. Note how friendly and helpful the staff are, and ask for reviews and testimonials from residents and family members. It’s also helpful to look up the community online and read reviews and more details. See this post for a checklist on what to ask while at the community.
- Create a financial plan. Finances can be one of the most stressful parts of many people’s lives. Many seniors and their loved ones are concerned at how much senior living communities cost, and how to pay for it. Meet with your financial advisor to discuss payment options. You might also want to check out this post on what senior living communities actually cost, and how to pay for it. While senior living can sound expensive, when you consider all that’s included (like transportation, meals, groundskeeping, housekeeping, laundry, all utilities, activities, and more), it’s often the best value for your money.
Planning Your Move
- Coordinate with the community. Contact the community you’ve chosen to schedule a move-in date and complete any necessary paperwork. It’s a good idea to gather up legal documents, medical records, and any other paperwork you might need to bring with you or show the community staff. They can also advise you on their policies regarding furniture and decor. If you have any special requests or specific needs, now is the time to discuss these with your community staff members.
- Downsizing. Now that you’ve selected a community and have a plan to pay for it, it’s time to get ready to actually move your physical belongings. Since most senior living apartments are fully (and beautifully) furnished, you may not want to keep some or all of your furniture. This gives you a great chance to downsize and narrow down your possessions to the things you truly love. It’s also a great time to host an estate sale or garage or yard sale.
- Packing. Once you have decided what you’re keeping, it’s time to pack. You can either DIY it or hire a moving company to help. If you are moving to a furnished apartment, you may be able to transport your belongings yourself or with the help of family or friends. However, always play it safe with heavy objects or furniture, and get help if you need it. Many moving companies are experienced with the transition to senior living communities. The community itself may be able to recommend a company they have worked with before.
Settling In
- Get to know the community. Transitioning to a new community doesn’t stop once you’ve moved in. It can be difficult to make new friends as an adult, and being a part of a large new community can feel a little overwhelming at first. Thankfully, Stellar Living Life Enrichment staff are there for you to make it a little easier. They’ll help you find the schedule of activities and let you know about outings and dining times. Explore the grounds and the community amenities, and start by getting to know your neighbors and staff members.
- Participate in activities. The easiest way to make friends in your new community is to find people with similar interests. Choose an activity or two to attend, and you may be surprised how much fun you have!
- Make your space feel like home. Moving into a fully furnished and decorated apartment can feel more like a hotel than a home at first. Add your own personal touches to make your apartment a new home. Photos of loved ones and mementos to remind you of cherished memories are a good place to start.
- Make sure your physical and mental health needs are met. Your community is there to support you, but you may have to help them know how best to do that. Communicate to staff members any medications you take, dietary needs, or health conditions that you have. If you’re ever feeling sad, alone, or overwhelmed, let your community staff members know! They can help you find a way to feel happy and at home, even in a new place.
Checklist
To summarize the easiest way to transition to a senior living community, here’s a checklist you can follow!
- Understand levels of care in senior living communities, and choose the one that meets your or your loved one’s needs.
- Find and tour communities, and ask lots of questions. Choose one that meets your needs.
- Create a financial plan for your future, preferably with your financial advisor.
- Coordinate paperwork and move-in date with your selected community.
- Downsize any unnecessary belongings or possessions by donating, gifting, or having an estate sale.
- Pack, or hire a moving company to help you pack the things you’re taking to your new home.
- Explore your new community, and get to know your neighbors and staff members.
- Choose an activity or two to find some people with fellow interests.
- Decorate and personalize your living space.
- Communicate with staff members about your physical and mental health needs.
We hope knowing what to expect when moving to a senior living community means your transition to senior living isn’t just good–it’s Stellar. Call our Family Advisors and tour a senior living community today!
