Now that you’ve made your decision about which assisted living community is best for you, it is time to get ready for your upcoming move. This is an exciting time, certainly, but you might also be feeling worried, anxious, or overwhelmed while preparing for the transition to your new home. All of your feelings are valid, and you can feel more in control of your move when you prepare to the best of your abilities.
Here are just a few ways you can make your transition to your new assisted living home.
Start to Downsize
One of the perks of assisted living is saying goodbye to the responsibilities and chores that go along with owning a large home. Once you are in your new apartment, you can take advantage of amenities such as regular housekeeping visits and concierge services. However, before you can move in, you must downsize so that you aren’t attempting to move all of your things into your new home.
Downsizing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We recommend scheduling downsizing chores over the course of weeks or months if possible. Bring in your loved ones to help so you don’t have to handle the responsibilities alone. Most importantly, stop if you feel overwhelmed, and continue on another day.
Stay in Touch with the Community
When you decide on your new assisted living home, you should stay in contact with them until you move in. Call them to get the floor plan measurements for your new apartment so you can plan your furniture layout before your moving day, and don’t forget to ask if you can attend a meal or event prior to your move. The team will be happy to answer any last-minute questions you might have as well. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident about your move if you become a part of community life before you officially become a resident.
Talk to Your Medical Team
Be sure your physician and medical team know about your upcoming move. They will work with your assisted living community to get information about your medical history as well as your prescription list. Your team can also update their records with your new address and nursing contact information.
Get Logistics in Order
Your moving day will go smoothly if you handle a few tasks ahead of time. For example, ensure you are working with a senior-friendly moving company and that you have put down any necessary deposit and confirmed the timing of your move. You should also have a general idea of what furniture to bring that will make your apartment cozy without being unsafely cluttered. Use the floor plan you received from the assisted living community to help you with measurements, decoration choices, and a mental picture of how the space will look.
It is also wise to begin to inform others about your upcoming move and change of address. This includes friends and family as well as your financial planner, lawyer, and other individuals who will continue to stay in contact after your move.
Enjoy Your Remaining Time in Your Neighborhood
During the last few months or weeks in your current home, be sure to take full advantage of your favorite parts of the neighborhood! Invite friends over to order food from your favorite spots, shop for new apartment accessories in local stores, and enjoy a walk around your neighborhood trails or sidewalks.
Get to Know Your New Neighbors
Once moving day has passed, it is time to start getting to know your neighbors and becoming a part of your new assisted living community. Consider leaving your door open to wave hello to passersby, and be sure to attend a few events during your first week. You’ll soon start to see familiar faces and foster connections with other residents.
Still looking for the perfect senior living community for you? Download our free resource, Finding a Safe and Comfortable Senior Living Community, for access to our tips for making the most of your tour and arriving at a confident decision.
