Introduction

There comes a time when you or the loved one in your life needs to leave their home and move into senior or assisted living. From finding the right fit for senior living to managing the applications to downsizing, the move into senior living is not as simple as usual. Here are some things to remember and consider for the move.

Let's begin understanding

1. Research Understanding your living options is the start of the process. Once you have established with your aging loved one that a move is correct, you must understand all your senior and assisted living options. Do your research. Use tools such as our timeline and financial calculator to help you discover your best options for senior living. Link to our Right Fit Timeline and Right Fit Financial Calculator

The timeline for a senior moving from their home to assisted living can vary widely based on several factors, including personal readiness, the complexity of the move, and available support. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Here are some key stages that can affect the timeline:

1. Decision-Making: Assessing the need for assisted living can take time, especially if it involves discussions with family members and healthcare providers.
2. Researching Options: Finding the right facility that meets personal needs and preferences might take a few weeks to a couple of months.
3. Financial Considerations: Sorting out financial arrangements, such as selling a home or handling insurance, can also extend the timeline.
4. Downsizing and Packing: This process can be emotional and may take longer if many belongings need to be sorted. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
5. Preparing for the Move: Coordinating the logistics of the move, including hiring movers and setting up the new living space, can add to the timeline.

Overall, planning ahead and breaking the process into manageable steps can help make the transition smoother and quicker.

2. Finding the Right Fit. Senior housing and assisted living demand is high. With the ever-increasing aging population, finding the right community and care may be challenging; it can be even more complicated if you have financial needs. Start the process as early as you can. There is more paperwork than a standard lease or rental agreement, especially if any care needs will be required. We advise you to start looking at least one year before you plan to begin the transition. When it's time to consider assisted living is earlier than you probably realize.

3. Downsizing and Preparation. When seniors move into senior living or assisted care, they often leave a home they’ve had for many years. If this is the case, you will need to downsize. Years of belongings accumulated in a packed house of furniture and knick-knacks will need to be culled down to what is most important to the senior and what is required. Downsizing can take months or even years; fortunately, some professionals can help with downsizing. Also, consider how much the moving senior wants to be a part of the process. Often, loved ones and family members take charge of this part of the moving process. For more help on downsizing Ten Steps to Downsize Your House Downsizing can be a significant and emotional process for seniors moving to assisted living. Here’s a general approach to help facilitate the transition:

Planning and Preparation

• Set a Timeline: Create a timeline for the downsizing process to keep things organized.
• Assess Needs: Determine what’s necessary for the new living space, considering the size and layout.

Sorting Belongings

• Categorize Items: Sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, recycle, and discard.
• Sentimental Items: Identify keepsakes or items with sentimental value, but be realistic about how much can be kept.

Decluttering

• Start Small: Tackle one room or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Involve Family: Get help from family or friends to sort through items and make decisions together.

Selling and Donating

• Yard Sales or Online Selling: Consider hosting a yard sale or using online marketplaces to sell items.
• Local Charities: Donate unwanted items to local charities, which can also provide tax deductions.

Packing

• Use a Packing Strategy: Start with non-essential items and gradually move to daily use items as the move date approaches.
• Label Boxes: Clearly label boxes to make unpacking easier at the new location.

Moving Day

• Hire Movers: If needed, hire professional movers to help with heavy lifting and logistics.
• Stay Organized: Keep important documents and essentials easily accessible during the move.

Settling In

• Create a Comfortable Space: Arrange the new living space to feel familiar and cozy.
• Personal Touches: Add photos and favorite items to help create a sense of home.

Emotional Support

• Acknowledge Feelings: Downsizing can be emotional, so it’s important to talk about feelings and seek support if needed.
• Stay Connected: Encourage visits from family and friends to help ease the transition.

This process can be challenging, but taking it step by step can make it more manageable and positive.

4. The Big Move Itself. Family and friends play a significant role in moving senior loved ones. From getting the quotes to managing the schedules, many details can be overwhelming or unmanageable for the senior. Remember, this moving day is stressful and emotional for most seniors. They will need help and support for the move. On the actual day of moving to assisted living, families can play a crucial role in making the transition smoother and less stressful for the senior. Here are some ways to help:

Be Present and Supportive

• Emotional Support: Offer reassurance and comfort, acknowledging that this is a significant change.
• Listen: Encourage the senior to express their feelings about the move, whether they’re excited or apprehensive.

Help with Logistics

• Coordinate with Movers: Ensure that movers have clear instructions and access to the house. Confirm the schedule and any special requirements.
• Manage Packing: Assist with packing any last-minute items, making sure everything is organized and labeled.

Supervise the Move

• Stay Organized: Track what items are being loaded and unloaded to ensure that nothing gets lost.
• Direct Placement: When arriving at the new place, help direct where furniture and boxes should go to make unpacking easier.

Set Up the New Space

• Create a Familiar Environment: Help arrange the new room with familiar items, photos, and decorations to make it feel like home.
• Unpack Essentials: Focus on unpacking the essentials first, such as toiletries, clothing, and daily-use items.

Facilitate Introductions

• Meet Staff: Introduce the senior to staff members and other residents to help them feel more comfortable in their new environment.
• Explore Together: Take a walk around the facility to familiarize them with common areas, dining rooms, and activity spaces.

Plan for the Day

• Schedule Breaks: Moving can be exhausting, so plan for short breaks to rest and hydrate.
• Meal Arrangements: Make sure they have access to food and drinks, especially if the move spans mealtime.

Stay Flexible

• Adapt to Changes: Moving days rarely go exactly as planned, so being flexible and adapting to any hiccups can ease stress.
• Offer Reassurance: Remind them that it’s okay to take their time adjusting to the new space.

Follow Up

• Stay Close: Spend some time together after the move to help them settle in and provide additional support.
• Check-In: Plan follow-up visits to help them acclimate and feel connected.

Overall, patience, organization, and support can significantly improve seniors' experiences when moving to assisted living.

5. The Adjustment Period. Once the move has been made, there is an adjustment period. There is unpacking and getting settled, of course, but also getting to know the community, staff, neighbors, activities, and schedules. Family and friends can help during the adjustment period by accompanying their loved ones as they meet staff and caregivers, explore the common areas, and learn the schedules of meals and activities. Feeling comfortable and confident in a new community and living environment takes time, and support from family and friends can ease the transition. Think Positively About Assisted Living