Four Tips For Preparing Your Loved One For Senior Assisted Living

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At some point, you and your family may have decided your loved one, specifically, your mother or father needs to transition into a senior assisted living facility. While this is a difficult process, the long-term outcome is sure to be worth it because of the extreme amount of stress and pressure that will be lifted from your shoulders knowing your loved one is being taken care of by professionally trained individuals. When you have decided that this is a step that needs to be taken, the next thing to do is prepare for the transition. Here are four tips to help you do this:

1. Schedule an In-Home Meeting: One of the first steps is to schedule a time for one of the staff members, specifically one working closely with your mother or father, to come to the home to meet with them. This is not only going to help your loved one become more comfortable around this person before actually being with them most of their days, but it also gives you a better idea and peace of mind that this is a person you are comfortable with yourself to take care of your loved one. 
2. Tour of the Facility: At this point, it's best to take a tour of the facility with your loved one to give them a better idea of the better quality of life they can expect. Just remember that it's best to treat your loved one with respect at this point rather than like a child since this can make them resistant to taking this step. Instead, let them make their input about the facility and have a discussion. Your loved one is sure to be more open to the idea at this point if they feel independent going into it rather than restricted. 
3. Share Habits With the Staff: Before moving your loved one into the facility, be sure that you have a private discussion with the staff about your loved one's habits. This way, they are better catered to, which is going to help them adjust. Most likely, your loved one is going to want to keep a similar routine, eat the same foods that they like, and take care of their hygiene in the same way, as well. This includes specifics such as showering at night rather than in the morning, etc. 
4. Prepare Their Items: Finally, when it comes to moving your loved one into the facility, you are going to want to pack all their important belongings that you know they will want with them. This includes certain family heirlooms, their favorite knick-knacks, and more. 

When you consider these four tips, you can easily help your loved one transition to the facility, which is going to help you, your loved one, and your family in the long run. 

30 July 2017