Once you’ve figured out how your loved one's items will be delivered to the community, you can start packing. You can either hire vendors to pack and organize your loved one’s possessions, or you and other family members can assist with the physical act of packing.
Because moving to a senior living community has additional complexities, if you choose to hire vendors to help with packing, make sure they have experience working with seniors. If possible, start this process in the few weeks to a month or two before the move-in date to reduce stress, avoid a rush, and prevent burnout.
Moving is one of life's most stressful events, even if you're excited about the change. Give yourself as much time as you need to acclimate, and ask other residents or the community staff for support. While you adjust to your new surroundings and new faces, remember that many seniors end up wondering, "why didn't i do this years ago?" once they settle into their new communities. Selecting a senior living community is a big decision. Brightview has created a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right independent living community for your needs. Categories.
Research assisted living costs.
The first step towards finding affordable senior living options is understanding the various types of accommodations available. These range from independent living communities to
assisted living
facilities, memory care units, and nursing homes. Each of these options comes with different costs, services, and amenities, which can greatly affect affordability.
Assess your needs carefully and aim for a balance between comfort, necessity, and cost-effectiveness.
One of the top considerations of choosing an assisted living facility is cost. You want to avoid having your parents fall in love with a facility that isn’t affordable. Work with a financial planner to determine how your parents can budget their retirement nest egg or sell off assets to cover the housing costs. If you’re planning to cover the expense, make sure you and your spouse are in agreement about the max amount you want to spend. Make a shortlist of the top-rated senior living properties in your area to get cost estimates. This isn’t always an easy answer for the assisted living facility to give without knowing your family’s exact needs.
Allow time for the “emotional transition.”
For some seniors, the entire procedure may be quite challenging. Furthermore, leaving a house full of a lifetime of memories is an emotional choice. Be gentle, empathetic, and try making it about your parent(s) rather than about you. It may require some time to adjust to the new surroundings, but they’ll most probably like the change after the transition phase. If you have any questions about our senior assisted living facilities, please feel free to contact us. Request a call or tour (832) 773-7555.
If you’re moving into a senior living community, spend some time with loved ones in your new apartment or cottage home and visualize your favorite possessions around you. Where will you put them? what won’t be necessary anymore? then, when you return to your house, it will be easier to visualize where each item will or won’t fit in your new home as you’re organizing. Be able to articulate each item’s purpose. Alternatively, take the advice of marie kondo, author of the life-changing magic of tidying up: the japanese art of decluttering and organizing, who advises you to pick up each item and ask yourself, “does this spark joy”? if it doesn’t, set it aside.
Is the community attractive? is the décor attractive and homelike? does the community have good natural and interior lighting? is there a nice outdoor space? do you like the apartments? can you envision yourself or your loved one feeling comfortable living here? do you have a warm feeling being in the community? did you receive a warm greeting when you arrived? does the executive director call residents and staff by name and interact warmly with them as you tour the community? are people saying hello to you? do people look happy and engaged? are residents socializing with each other and engaged in programs or activities? do you see evidence of a robust program for social, fitness, lifelong learning , entertainment and other activities, such as a calendar of events or notices around the community? are staff members personable and friendly?.