What to Know Before Moving to Senior Living
Older adults over the age of 65 make up 18% of the US population, and the number of adults in that age range are expected to quadruple in the coming years. If this figure includes someone you love, it may be time to consider senior living services in a community that offers quality amenities and social opportunities.
Preparing to move aging loved ones into a senior community can be challenging. Luckily, there are specific steps you can take to get them comfortable with the idea of moving. Read on to reduce stress during the transition from an old home to community living.
Understand What You're Getting
Different senior care communities offer varying inclusions and amenities in both common areas and rooms.
Families need to know what's included in their packages so they know what they're paying for. Knowing how many meals your loved one gets with different packages and what amenities they'll have access to lets you budget and plan properly.
Seniors need to know the amenities they'll be able to enjoy after moving. They likely don't have access to gourmet cooking or fitness centers at home right now. Knowing what amenities they can have fun with gives moving seniors something to look forward to and reduces bad feelings about moving.
Some amenities to look for and prioritize include:
- Community activities (game nights, bingo events, crafting workshops, book clubs, etc)
- A library where your elderly parents or grandparents can enjoy books and stay sharp by reading
- In-house cable TV within the units and common areas
- Gourmet, ready-made meals
- A fitness center, stretching groups, and other exercise groups and events
- Salon/barbershop services
- A kitchenette in apartment rooms
- Closet space in apartments for clothes and storage
- Laundry and housekeeping services
Beyond amenities, your loved ones will need to know what daily tasks they can get help with within the community. Many seniors need help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing, and others need memory care plans to maintain cognitive function.
Know Where You're Moving
Reputable senior living communities offer families and individuals tours of the premises when they're considering moving in. This lets you see the rooms and common areas before choosing whether or not to make the transition. You or your aging loved ones can assess its comfort level, community functions, and amenities.
You can also use online resources to better understand the location. Diagrams of floor plans show room layouts so you'll know how much space you're working with. Floor plans also help you determine what kind of room you want to invest in whether it's a studio, one-bedroom apartment, or two-bedroom alternative.
Create a Move-In Plan
Learn the room selection policies and decide on a bedroom size. Then, request a bedroom with appropriate placement. For example, those who want a lot of natural light or a garden view may want to request rooms in a certain wing of the community.
When selecting a room, make sure to inquire about the differences between model rooms and other apartments in the building. They may have a different shape or layout, though all will be accessible for seniors in wheelchairs and walkers. Appliances, walls, and carpeting also may vary, and understanding these differences will stop seniors from facing stressful future surprises.
Once you decide that a community is right for you and choose a room, it's then time to create an action plan for your move-in date. Decide what personal items you're bringing to the community and figure out how to set up your living space. Schedule family visits so all parties know when they'll see their loved ones next.
Learn Community Policies
Room selection policies and living space are just the tip of the iceberg. The community also likely has policies about furniture, lighting, painting walls and furniture, and artwork you can hang throughout the room.
Knowing these things in advance allows seniors to decide what to bring along. Families and their aging loved ones can plan room layouts and decor while adhering to all policies.
Pet policies are also important to understand. Choosing a pet-friendly community like The Watermark can make the adjustment easier since residents can bring their beloved furry family members along. If the person moving doesn't have a pet, you should still consider pet-friendliness since getting one later can prevent loneliness and isolation.
Prioritize Individualized Care
Preparing to move in isn't all about understanding the community's amenities, offerings, and policies. You or your aging loved ones are going through this transition to get the care needed for a great quality of life.
No senior care plan is one-size-fits-all. Sit down with the experts in your chosen community and discuss your loved one's needs when they come to live there. Make sure to write down any questions or thoughts before hand to help you remember everything. Together, everyone can devise a plan tailored to meet the residents' specific living requirements, such as daily tasks and ways to boost memory.
Learn About Move-In Coordination
Move-in coordination services help new residents get adjusted to top-notch communities. Those moving into The Watermark at San Ramon often have mobility issues that make moving personal items challenging. Even those who are completely mobile often face challenges when moving bins and boxes with limited familial assistance.
Move-in assistance provided by the community makes the process much easier. You won't need to stress about getting handcarts and moving heavy objects up and down elevators. Instead, you can relax knowing that a professional is handling all the hard work. We're also available to offer moving tips for packing up your loved one's home before they move.
Prepare to Move Into Your Senior Living Community
Now that you know the basics of moving to a senior living community, it's time to begin your preparations. The Watermark at San Ramon is excited to talk with potential residents' families who want to help their aging loved ones thrive and retain a high quality of life in their golden years.
Our team will help you understand services and amenities before creating a personalized care plan for your loved one. We'll then help you prepare for move-in with checklists and coordination services. Reach out to us to begin planning the logistics of the move.