Transitioning To Assisted Living

By Author: John Michel
Total Articles: 22
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Making the transition to assisted living can be painful for everyone involved. When it's time to help someone you love make this difficult move, there are some things that you can do to make it a little easier.

Sometimes, the need for Assisted Living is sudden and an abrupt transition cannot be helped. When possible, however, an early move can make it easier. When you know that your loved one's condition is likely to deteriorate, an earlier move can be less stressful. Being able to make an unhurried choice of home and have time to get used to the idea helps a great deal.

Another thing that can help make the transition to assisted living easier is bringing items from home. Check with your loved one's new home to find out how much space is available and what items are discouraged. Most don't recommend bringing valuable or fragile items.

Some assisted living facilities allow residents to bring their own furniture and decorate their rooms. A familiar bed can help make nights less frightening in a new place. Bringing a dresser or bureau from home may make it easier for your loved one to find their belongings.

If ...
... your loved one has any hobbies, consider those when deciding what to bring. Books, knitting supplies, or other items can help to maintain comforting rituals and make the transition easier. Favorite music or pictures can help to make their room a safe retreat when they become stressed during the early days in their new home. If there is a roommate, make sure to keep them in mind when choosing.

Frequent visits are another way to smooth the transition. Moving to an assisted living home may leave your loved one surrounded by strangers. Regular visits by friends, neighbors, and family members can help them to feel less alone. Familiar faces can help keep depression at bay.

Fostering friendships with other assisted living residents is another way to make the transition easier. When you visit, try to include others in your conversations and help your loved one to get to know new neighbors. Encourage them to find things that they may have in common. Board games or shared hobbies can help a friendship to develop.

A final consideration is the change in routine. Especially in dementia patients, having a predictable routine is important. Assisted living facilities tend to have a fairly structured day, with meals and activities coming on a reliable time table. Once residents adapt to the facility schedule this is helpful. The initial change, however, can be difficult. If possible, find out the schedule several weeks before the move and gradually shift your loved one's daily routine until it is similar. It can make those first few days much less stressful if meals and rest times are consistent and familiar.

It's never easy to make the transition to an assisted living facility. Your loved one might resist the move, which can make adjusting to the new faces and routines much harder. These steps can help to make it is easy as possible.

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Contributing Editor: Julie Sanocki, CNA
Julie is a graduate of the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Lanier Technical College and has over 10 years experience in elder care. Having been a family member arranging eldercare as well as a professional providing it, she understands the needs and concerns of all involved.

For more information: Assisted Living & Assisted Living facilities