As our parents age we naturally want to make sure we’re doing all we can to ensure they’re living their best life, wherever life takes them. However, overseeing a parent's well-being can become complicated for adults who have busy careers and families of their own. This is especially true for people with parents who need a little extra help to continue living independently. In these cases, many families are forced to consider senior living facilities as an option. An assisted living home can be a relief to many seniors and their families; however, choosing the right facility often presents as a daunting task fraught with endless factors to consider. This article points out the most important things seniors and their families should look for when considering a transition to assisted living - whether in Salem, Ohio, or anywhere else in the country.

15 Tips for a smooth transition Transitioning to an assisted living community can be intimidating, and is one of the biggest adjustments seniors will make in their golden years. While it’s impossible to remove all of the worries and anxieties that will come with the move, there are steps you can take to make it easier for you and your parent. Following are some great tips to help you navigate the transition to assisted living. Getting Prepared: Before the Move Pack efficiently and deliberately Start as early as possible, and prioritize the most important items first, according to your parent’s needs and wants, taking into consideration the size of the space they’re moving into. We recommend creating a checklist to keep the packing process organized. Start with essential items like toiletries, medications, clothing, bedding and furniture. Then move on to sentimental items. If you approach packing in a step-by-step manner without rushing, the process will be far less stressful for you and your parent. Remember to keep an organized record of all moving expenses—they are tax deductible! Take care of all logistical items - Make a plan to cancel ongoing services like cable, internet, and utilities. Contact the post office to have mail forwarded to your parent’s new address. Also be sure to update your parent’s address with his/her credit card accounts, bank accounts, magazine subscriptions, and any other important service and medical providers. Allow time for the emotional transition - Let’s face it, no one is ever emotionally prepared for this type of move, so feelings of uncertainty and anxiety are normal. Take advantage of social circles for support. Good places to start are your family, friends, your church, and/or counselors. Encourage your parent to open up about how he/she is feeling throughout the process so that you can identify if and when you need to get help from family or a professional. Set up your parent's new living space - Make your parent feel at home by arranging furniture and decorations in a familiar fashion. Display sentimental items prominently, to help him/her adapt to their new space. Getting Acclimated: The First Week and Beyond This is a new and exciting chapter in your parent’s life. There will be a lot going on at first, so getting adjusted to assisted living doesn’t happen overnight. The following tips can help make the transition easier for you and your parent: Get Acquainted with neighbors: Your parent will likely have several neighbors in their hallway, on their floor, or even right next door. Each person they meet could become a new friend. Encourage your parent to reach out to introduce themselves to their new neighbors. Each resident who has gone through the transition period can serve as a wonderful resource and provide valuable guidance for the weeks ahead. Familiarize Yourself with the Caregivers and Staff: During the first week, your parent will meet several community staff and caregivers to assess their needs and create a care plan. This includes nurses, dining staff, social directors, fitness staff, and others on the community leadership team. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have for them at any time. Spend time with your parent: Be sure to visit as often as possible. This is especially important during their first weeks in the community. You want to ensure your parent can get adjusted without feeling abandoned. Sharing a meal is a great way to spend time whenever you visit. Most communities offer a range of dining options from dine-in to take-out, so check and see what’s available. Get involved in community activities, events, and groups: One of the major benefits of assisted living communities is the social programming they offer. Make sure your parent gets a copy of the activities calendar and speaks with other residents to learn more about community activities. Attending social events provides a great opportunity to get to know other residents. In time, your parent will discover his/her favorite activities and have them to look forward to regularly. Ensure that your parent takes advantage of community fitness programs to improve and maintain his/her strength, agility, mental sharpness, and happiness. Stay involved in life outside the community: Living in an assisted living community doesn’t mean your parent’s outside life gets put on pause. Your parent will still have the freedom to come and go whenever and wherever he/she wants. Many communities offer transportation services for trips to the doctor, grocery store, and other familiar places. There are also other senior transportation services available for trips that aren’t covered by the assisted living community. The staff at Grace Woods is highly skilled in making the transition to assisted living easy and engaging! Contact us today for a tour, or to receive additional resources and information.

Approaching the topic of senior retirement communities with your parents can be a delicate and emotional endeavor. Aging is a natural part of life, and your parents’ needs and preferences may change as they age. The time may eventually come when you need to rely on professionals to oversee your parent’s well-being, however, approaching this topic with your parent can make for a very emotional and delicate conversation. It’s important to make your parent feel that you’ve got their best interest in mind and you’re making a decision that will provide them with the high quality of life they deserve. Following are valuable tips and insights on how to start discussing assisted living options with your parent to make informed decisions together. A Good Plan to Start With Do Your Homework Prepare your specific “talking points” in advance and be sure to make your parent feel like he/she is a main factor in the decision-making process. Find out what your parent’s concerns are, and allow him/her to share personal ideas and wants. Having well-informed ideas and direction to present during your conversation will show that you’ve given this some thought and want to help your parent make choices he/she will be comfortable with. Choose the Right Time and Place Selecting an appropriate time and setting for the conversation is essential. Blurting things out over an extended family dinner event is likely not the best time or place. Find a calm and comfortable environment where you can discuss the topic without interruptions. Ensure there is ample time to allow your parent to express his/her thoughts without feeling rushed or pressured. Focus on Their Needs and Benefits Research the most reputable assisted living communities in your area, then list the advantages each facility has that align with your parent’s needs and interests. Discuss the opportunities for social engagement, access to health care services, recreational activities, and a secure living environment. Emphasize how moving to a retirement community can enhance their quality of life and provide opportunities for new friendships. Address Their Concerns Be prepared for any potential concerns and resistance from your parent. After living independently for so long, it can be a hard decision for parents to make. Be patient when addressing your parent’s apprehensions and fears, and offer reassurance that you will support him/her throughout the process. Share success stories of others who have found joy and fulfillment in retirement communities. Discuss Financial Considerations Financing assisted living is a major concern for most seniors. Be transparent about the associated costs, which include entrance fees, monthly fees, and additional services, and be sure to communicate what’s included. Grace Woods is here when you’re ready to have the conversation. Make an appointment today so we can sit down and explore available funding options with you and your parent, such as long-term care insurance or government assistance programs. Plan for the Future Finally, outline a transition plan for your parent once the decision is made for him/her to make the move to an assisted living facility. Create a timeline and divide tasks into manageable steps. This approach can help reduce the likelihood of your parent feeling overwhelmed and uncertain during the process.

Touring an assisted living community your parent an family is interested in is a very important step in choosing the right community. During your tour you can meet the staff, see the amenities, observe residents, and get a feel for the community. Asking the right questions is also important because the answers can be especially insightful. Following are some of the questions families should ask to get a feel for how a community may fit your parent’s needs and wants:  How many staff members care for each resident? What type of training does your care staff complete? Are staff trained to care for residents with memory loss or Alzheimer’s? Are staff onsite 24/7? Can staff administer medications, and what is that process like? Do you have nurses on staff? Do you have an in-house physician? What type of security and safety measures do you have in place? Do you have experience with Alzheimer’s? Parkinson’s? Diabetes? (or the specific diagnosis of your loved one) Do you complete an assessment prior to moving in? In determining and monitoring staffing levels, Aegis Living considers resident assessments and other factors. What types of apartments are available? What is the monthly cost per apartment or the differences in price? What is your waitlist policy? Can I meet another family with a loved one in the community? Do you have transportation for doctor’s appointments? Do you have an activity calendar? What additional services are available if the care or personal needs change while living here? What is your billing policy? Are there added fees for services or activities? Do you offer hospice and end of life care? Selecting an assisted living community for your parent is a weighty decision for your family. Ask plenty of questions until you feel satisfied that you understand the options, policies, and benefits of the assisted living community, and that the community fulfills your list of criteria. At Grace Woods, we are always happy to answer any questions you need answered to help your family make an informed decision. Contact us to schedule a tour today!