June 22, 2023
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Navigating the Emotions of Moving a Parent: 15 Tips for Working Daughters
Moving a parent to assisted living is one of the most significant transitions that a family can experience. It's a moment filled with complex emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and guilt. But when it comes to the health and well-being of our loved ones, we must make the best decision possible. Here are 15 strategies to help ease the transition.
- Have a Family Meeting: The decision to move a parent to assisted living is not an easy one. It's essential to gather the family and discuss the situation, provide information, and seek opinions from each individual.
- Visit Different Communities: Involve your aging parents in the search process for the right assisted living facility. Provide them with the opportunity to visit different communities and compare features and accommodations.
- Make a List of Personal Items: Assisted living facilities typically provide a furnished condo or apartment, but there may be some personal items that your parents would like to bring from home. Update your checklist to ensure you don't leave anything behind during the move.
- Request Moving Help: Moving can be stressful; consider requesting the help of professional movers to streamline the process and ease its burden.
- Consider a Professional Organizer: You may need help organizing your parent's old home and packing it up so, consider hiring a professional organizer for your moving out project.
- Obtain Medical Records: Obtain medical records from your parent's primary care physician and other care providers. Also, talk with staff at the assisted living community and familiarize them with any special medical needs, medications and other vital information.
- Communication is Key: Good communication with the staff at the assisted living community is essential. Ask questions, clarify expectations, and stay updated on your loved one's care plan.
- Bring Familiar Items: A great way to ease the transition is to bring familiar items from home, including favorite dishes, pictures, and artwork.
- Don't Rush the Move: Do not rush the move, take your time to ensure that everything is in order before your parent moves to the assisted living community.
- Consider Emotions and Mental Health: Remember, moving can be hard on aging parents, and the adjustment period can be challenging. Consider seeing a therapist or counselor with experience in these types of life-changing events.
- Implement a Receiving Committee: Arriving at the community with a welcoming committee of staff and residents can help ease your parent's transition and bring them comfort knowing they are among new friends.
- Ensure Safety: As your parent ages, it's essential to ensure their safety in their new environment. Check that the apartment is set up with necessary safety features, such as grab bars and non-slip flooring.
- Provide Transportation: Ensure that your parent is still mobile by providing transportation to and from doctor's appointments and other events.
- Keep in Touch: Make an effort to stay connected with your parent through regular visits, phone calls, and video chats.
- Seek Professional Advice: When you need help and advice, don't hesitate to seek support from professionals such as social workers, geriatric care managers, and financial planners.
GenCare Lifestyle Senior Living is committed to providing older adults with a community where they can thrive and live life to the fullest healthier and happier than ever. Our team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to helping families navigate the transition to assisted living. We offer top-of-the-line amenities and services designed to meet the unique needs of each resident. Contact us today to learn how we can help you and your loved ones during this time of transition.
