Beyond the Home: When Independence Means Moving to Assisted Living

As your parents or loved ones age, it’s natural to be worried about their futures and well-being. You want to ensure they uphold a high quality of life and are well cared for.

It may not be easy to figure out what to say to someone about moving into assisted living, but it’s worth starting the conversation.

Are you noticing a decline in hygiene and cleanliness? Are you concerned for their safety or health? Does your loved one need assistance with activities of daily living or suffer from social isolation? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, moving into assisted living would be greatly beneficial to them.

If your parent has Alzheimer’s disease or a different form of dementia, many assisted living facilities also offer memory care services and specialized communities for residents.

You should never move mom to assisted living against her will nor expect this to be a one-time conversation. Be prepared to broach this subject gently multiple times and give your aging parent(s) the time and space they need to express their concerns and feelings.

When moving a parent to assisted living, it’s important to be there every step of the way and reassure them of the benefits and opportunities in store.

Addressing Fears of Assisted Living

Older adults or elderly parents may have underlying fears about transitioning to assisted living. They may assume or believe that moving into an assisted living community means a total loss of independence and privacy. In reality, senior living communities encourage independent living, only providing help and support when needed or requested.

Residents are free to participate in voluntary activities, events, and programs. Accommodations are made within reason to make residents as comfortable and happy as possible. Residents are free to determine their daily schedules and will never be forced into anything.

Many communities offer private apartments with a full bathroom, kitchenette, dining space, and bonus space for living room-esque arrangements. You and your parents can peruse through floor plans to choose the perfect space and layout. We encourage everyone to decorate and personalize their apartment to feel like home.

Seniors may also fear that moving into an assisted living community will cause their loved ones to forget them and detach. Assisted living communities allow friends and family to visit at any time.

Most communities regularly welcome and integrate family and friends to participate in the events and activities at every opportunity. It is never the assisted living communities intention to separate the senior from the rest of their family members.

Money is also a major stressor, but assisted living should not pose a financial burden. Explore the resources at your disposal and discuss what you can comfortably afford.

Assisted living communities should always and transparently clearly break down a resident’s financial obligations throughout their stay. Most communities are willing to meet your loved one wherever they may be with finances.

If your loved one has long-term care insurance, their policy may even cover the cost of assisted living.

Moving to Assisted Living Checklist

What does your loved one need to do or bring when moving into an assisted living community?

Downsizing from a family home to a smaller apartment or studio can be an overwhelming process. Take it one step at a time and enlist all the help you can.

Before deciding what to keep and let go, consider:

• The floor plan of the assisted living apartment or studio with measurements. Knowing exactly how much space your loved one has available will help determine how much can fit.
• The services that will be provided at the specific assisted living community. Your loved one might not need their cookware if the assisted living community offers restaurant-style dining or can send meals straight to their door.

On moving day, the assisted living staff and residents will be ready to welcome you and your loved one with open arms.

Consider Chelsea Senior Living

At Chelsea Senior Living, our residents live every moment with unlimited potential. While this looks different for every person, we can’t wait to support you or your loved one as they unlock the excitement that awaits.

Our communities are rich in amenities, services, and activities that are mere steps from the apartments.

Schedule a tour today to see our beautiful campus and meet our friendly staff and residents.