There’s plenty of advice online on choosing a new assisted living home for seniors – but far less information dealing with the practicalities of moving. Once you’ve decided on a specific home and made the arrangements, the actual move is still a big job. Properly preparing for it will help your loved one start their new life the right way!
Here are some tips to make it easier.
1 – Plan the layout
You should have a floor plan of the chosen apartment, along with what furniture and other amenities are already included. Use this and plan for how you’ll move your loved one’s possessions into their new home. That way you’ll know exactly what to do once everything arrives at the apartment.
Also, be sure to ask about policies regarding what can/can’t be in the room, to avoid any confusion.
2 – Delegate!
Ideally, moving a loved one into a new home should be a job that involves several friends and family. Don’t try to take everything on yourself. Delegate authority and let other people be involved in the move. It can make the process a bonding experience.
3 – Schedule transportation ahead of time
Most likely, you will at least need to rent some sort of moving van to move all your family member’s possessions. Be sure to arrange his well in advance, to be sure it’s ready when you need it. Also, consider transportation of your family member themselves. Will they need any special accommodation? Specialists exist who focus on safely transporting older people or those with medical issues. They would also need to be contacted early on.
4 – Keep their doctor(s) in the loop
Have you consulted with your loved one’s doctor about the move and any medical issues that may arise? It’s a good idea to at least briefly speak with them, so they are aware of the move, and can offer any professional advice that could help.
Likewise, contact their insurance company about the move. Assisted living isn’t always covered by insurance, but it’s worth asking. You’ll also want to make sure that any on-site medical care is going to be covered if that’s an issue.
5 – Try to maintain familiar things and routines
In most cases, it’s best to try to make their new home as familiar as possible – such as laying out their new bedroom to be as close as possible to the old one. If there are daily routines your family member enjoys, do your best to ensure those are preserved as well.
There will be so many new things to adapt to that it can be overwhelming. A bit of the familiar with make the transition into assisted living a lot easier.In short, the most important thing is to plan ahead. The more planning you do, the more smoothly the move will go!