If you’ve been caring for an aging loved one, you’re well aware of how much responsibility falls on a caregiver’s shoulders. Though you’re more than willing to provide that level of care, you may not be physically or emotionally capable of doing so on your own. Because of that, moving your loved one to assisted living may be the most suitable solution. Making a decision like that may not be easy, but it could certainly be the best option for everyone involved, including your aging loved one.
Finding the Right Assisted Living Care for Your Elderly Loved One
One of the most important measures to take at this point is finding the right assisted living community to meet your loved one’s needs. Numerous options are available, but not all of them are equipped to provide the care and lifestyle your loved one needs and expects. As such, be sure to conduct ample research into the communities in your area to find the perfect fit.
At Tiffany Court, we strive to be residents’ partners in enjoying a happy, healthy lifestyle. We offer a long list of amenities, including restaurant-style dining, housekeeping services, and pet-friendly suites to name a few. We also offer care that’s tailored to residents’ distinct needs, such as assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Our team likewise provides an array of activities to help keep your aging parent social and active.
Getting Ready for the Move to Assisted Living
Preparing to move a loved one to assisted living can be stressful and hectic. Studies show that the more stressful a situation is, the more of a negative impact it may have on your loved one. With that in mind, it’s important to be prepared for the process and all the factors involved. Take a look at some of the aspects to consider leading up to moving day, so you can keep things as simple as possible for your parent.
Have a Plan in Place
Moving is bound to be chaotic no matter how well you plan. Still, having a plan to follow will alleviate a great deal of stress and confusion. Take things slowly, and attack one detail at a time if possible. Start the process long before the actual day of the move if you can. Begin by clearing out small areas, such as an extra bathroom or closet your loved one rarely uses.
If your parent will be moving into a furnished apartment, don’t worry about furniture and appliances. Those can be taken care of after the move. Early on, set your sights on items that will be needed after the move but not beforehand. Save essentials, like clothing and personal items, for later on in the process. Moving day will approach much faster than you think, so planning well in advance and taking small steps to achieve the overall goal will be crucial.
Prepare for Downsizing
Chances are your loved one has an entire lifetime of belongings in his or her home. Not all of those items will be able to make the move along with him or her. Allow your loved one to keep some highly sentimental pieces. Treasured jewelry and other small items can be kept as well. For those items that will need to be left behind, let your parent be involved in the elimination process. He or she can choose to gift some pieces to family members or donate them to charity. Renting a storage space rather than getting rid of your loved one’s belongings altogether is also an option.
Include Your Loved One
It’s easy to try to step in and take over the packing and elimination process on behalf of your loved one. That’s especially true if your parent is suffering from dementia or other conditions that could slow things down. It’s best to keep him or her involved and take your parent’s wishes to heart when transitioning to assisted living in Walnut Creek, CA, though. That’ll help make the situation less frightening and stressful. Be patient.
Setting Up Your Loved One for a Smooth Transition
When you start planning to transition your loved one to assisted living months in advance, it may seem like there’s plenty of time to cover all the bases. Remember, though, packing and handling all the details is likely to be a painstaking matter. It may go more slowly than you think, and certain overlooked details are bound to arise along the way. Start planning early to avoid unnecessary stress. Be prepared to get rid of certain items or at least move them into a storage unit. Keep your loved one involved in the process rather than taking over as well.