Tips for seniors downsizing before moving to assisted Living
December 2, 2022
Timeline for a Stress-Free Move to Assisted Living
A Guide to making the move to senior living. Although the move from one’s home to a new home is a life-changing experience, it does not have to be fraught with stress and anxiety. Lantern Lifestyle has helped many seniors make the transition into assisted living.
Once a senior’s family makes the decision to move to senior living or assisted living, downsizing is the first step in making the move. Fortunately, there is a timeline to stay organized to go through this process to minimize the stress on moving day.
Here are the Checklists for a Stress-Free Move to Assisted Living:
- Decide where and when to start
- Stay organized with a clear plan
- Give yourself enough time
- Determine what’s really necessary to keep and what to donate or throw away
- Choose a new place & new location
- Evaluate your moving place
- Choose a place based on quality & hygiene
- Safety features
- Special programs & amenities
- Figuring out how to best preserve sentimental items
Daily Living Concept:
- Feeding, grooming, oral hygiene, dressing, bathing & toileting
- Cooking and basic money management
- Environmental adaptations
- Hydration and continence boost
8 weeks prior to the move:
- Obtain quotes from moving assisted living. Talk with staff at the assisted living on your list for suggestions and recommendations
- Start looking for a new physician
- Begin stocking up-on packing supplies, such as tape, boxes, and bubble wrap
6 – 7 weeks prior to the move:
- Begin the activity of decluttering and cleaning out unneeded items
- Start packing that is rarely used as suggested by senior move managers often suggests beginning in least-used rooms of the home
- Make a final decision about the assisted living you want to move in and schedule a moving date
4 – 5 weeks prior to the move:
- Make adaptations to cancel utility services, including electric and phone
- Identify and pack valuable items that you can bring to assisted living
- Start the change-of-address process with family, friends, creditors and health insurance providers
2 – 3 weeks prior to the move:
- Finalize confirm the moving date and time with the assisted living
- Make sure the senior has at least a 1 month supply of medications
- Be sure to include the family and friends who will be assisting you
- Bring your senior loved one to visit or schedule a virtual visit of assisted living to learn more
1 week prior to the move:
- Arrange a get-together for your loved one to stay with a friend or family member the night before the move
- Pack a suitcase of personal-care items your senior will need immediately after their arrival at the assisted living, such as medications, sheets & towels
- Ask a family or friends to take your loved one out to lunch on moving day to avoid watching the movers load things
Two days prior to the move:
- Clean out the refrigerator and freezer
- Check all closets, cabinets, and drawers to make sure nothing is left
- Organize a cooler with beverages and food for moving day
- Confirm moving arrangements and new address with the moving place
- Verify your arrival time with the assisted living center
Moving day preparation
- Strip beds and pack linens
- Finish packing the cooler and suitcases
- Create a low-stress atmosphere
- Listen with compassion and patience to any fears or concerns
- Remain positive when faced with negative comments, and remind your parents of all the benefits this new home offers
- Try not to rush. be mindful that the entire packing, move and unpacking may not be finished in one day
Making the move to senior living/assisted living is a big undertaking. Positive attitude, your loved one can enjoy the benefits of making new relationships & friends, enjoying activities they once used to love, and receiving the right amount of care and support they need.
Assisted Living & Memory care at Lantern Lifestyle
If you are looking for assisted living for your loved one, consider Lantern Lifestyle assisted living & memory care for senior’s healthy living.
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