Setting Realistic Expectations for a Senior’s Move to Assisted Living

Dear Donna,

My mom is selling her home to move to an assisted living community. She is ready to move but also sad to leave a place with so many happy memories. 

How can I help her set realistic expectations about the move to assisted living?

Sincerely,

Clara from Saline, MI

Setting Realistic Expectations for a Senior Living Move

Dear Clara,

Moving to an assisted living community is an exciting transition for many seniors. Regardless of how much your parents are looking forward to their new home, the change can still be challenging. It’s not easy to leave the place where they raised their family. 

Here are a few ways you can set realistic expectations for the entire family when a loved one is moving to an assisted living community.

Transitioning to Assisted Living

1. Be patient with yourself and your parent.

Although your loved one may be looking forward to the move, it’s important to understand it can take time to adjust. Assisted living is a new lifestyle for them. Understand emotions may arise during the move, and be patient with them as they settle into their new home.

2. Incorporate favorite belongings in the new space.

Even though many senior living communities are designed to feel homey, it can be helpful for your loved one to bring some items from their family home. Having a few cherished belongings around gives a sense of familiarity and creates positive associations with their new space. 

Depending on the size of their living area, they can bring anything from their favorite reading chair to a few decorative elements.

3. Plan for ups and downs.

Ups and downs are inevitable, regardless of how well you prepare. Some days will be smooth, while others will be more challenging. Reminding your loved one of this when things aren’t going as planned can alleviate some of the pressure for perfection.

4. Ask friends and family to visit.

For many people, their new place doesn’t feel like home until friends and family come over. Encourage the important people in your loved one’s life to visit or help with the move. Some seniors may want to show off their new place by hosting an open house. Regardless of when people visit, your senior loved one will appreciate having a familiar face around when they transition.

Moving Requires Change

Moving to a senior living community is a new chapter in your loved one’s life. Although they are saying goodbye to a home full of memories, they are saying hello to an exciting new lifestyle. By supporting them during this important move, you can help them ease into their new routine.

I hope this helps your mom transition to senior living. Good luck!

Regards,

Donna

Heritage Makes Moving to Assisted Living Easier

Heritage Senior Communities, including our Linden Square Assisted Living location, helps new residents prepare for their move to assisted living. By guiding seniors and their families through every step of the process, we can make the transition easier for everyone. 

To learn more about how we help seniors transition to assisted living, contact us today.