Moving into senior living is a significant change for the entire family. Even when they’re willing to make the move, older adults sometimes find the transition difficult—and it can take time to adjust.
If your parent is about to move into a retirement community, you may have questions to ask senior living care team members. Here are a few things to consider when finding living arrangements for aging parents.
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Is the Timing Right?
Before moving Mom or Dad into a senior living community, be sure it’s the right time and the best decision for them. Depending on their needs, they may be better suited for assisted or independent living. No matter which lifestyle your parents prefer, getting everyone on the same page will turn the move into an exciting prospect.
Finding the Right Senior Community
When making senior living something to celebrate, choosing the best community is essential. After all, your parents won’t be able to enjoy their golden years in a place that doesn’t make it easy for them to do so! Choose a senior community that meets your parents’ needs, both now and in the future, and you’ll help them ease into their new lifestyle.
Planning Visits
When parents move into senior living communities, children want to check in on them. While occasional visits are a great time to catch up, stopping by too frequently suppresses seniors’ independence and keeps them from trying new things. When they have more freedom, older adults can create their destinies.
Creating Checklists
If you’re concerned that your aging parent may not take advantage of everything their new community offers, try making it a family challenge. Has your mom always wanted to take fitness classes, or does your dad want to learn how to play poker? With written, clearly defined goals, seniors are more likely to try new things and make new friends.
Meeting the Team
Getting acquainted with the care team at your chosen senior community is the best way to keep up with parents’ wellness and health without seeming too pushy. Set meetings with caregivers, chefs, enrichment team members, and directors. These people see residents daily, which gives them valuable insights into their lives, needs, and preferences.
Learning to Trust the Process
When moving a parent into senior living, it’s only natural to worry. Are they getting along with others? Do team members treat them respectfully? Is the food good? If you get the right answers to those questions, you’ve made the best decision. It can be tough to sit back and let things happen, and it takes a little while to adjust—but it’s worth the effort.
Celebrating Retirement and Easing the Transition
We know how emotional and overwhelming it can be to move an aging parent into senior living, and the changes can affect the entire family. Our active senior community is designed to make residents’ lives as enjoyable, worry-free, and comfortable as possible.
Through modern, inviting spaces, fun and engaging activities, unrivaled hospitality, and loving care, we’ve created a living experience that honors seniors every day. We work with residents’ families, caregivers, and physicians to ensure their preferences and needs are met. In our community, each day is full of new opportunities to celebrate. Join us and see what the excitement is all about!
