Helping an Aging Senior Plan for a Move Is Made Easier with These Four Steps

October 14, 2019 by ·

No matter what time of the year it is, moving can be stressful. Moving into assisted living might be exciting for some seniors, but for others it can be an added layer of stress and anxiety. Family and friends may rally around this senior to help them with this move, but there are a few things to keep in mind that can make this transition a bit easier or, at the very least, less fraught with unanswered questions or mistakes.
Below are four steps that can help an aging senior plan for a move into assisted living.

 

Step #1: Know what’s permitted in the room.

Assisted Living Satsuma, AL: Helping an Aging Senior Plan for a Move

Every facility is different, so make sure the senior has a clear understanding of what items, what types of furniture, pictures, wall hangings, electronics, and so forth are permitted in the room.

The room might be shared with another senior or it may be a private room. In either case, be clear on what is allowed there. For example, if the facility has basic furniture, but permits residents to bring their own to replace a dresser and bed, it’s better to know that before moving day when you find out the furnishings that are their stay.

 

Step #2: Stay positive, even when the senior is not.
This stressful situation can cause somebody to have doubts, question their decision, and even begin second-guessing themselves. When family and friends — their support system — remain positive and upbeat, it helps them to stay that way, too.

 

Step #3: Set up a mock room to get a feel of the layout.
Get the dimensions of the room, including the length and width. If a bedroom in the senior’s house or apartment is very similar, that makes it easier to create a mock layout.

By creating a mock layout of the room, the senior will be able to envision what life is going to be like in this assisted living facility. They will have the opportunity to arrange things a bit differently and see how everything is going to line up to meet their physical demands and comfort level.

 

Step #4: Schedule a sale to help them offload items they no longer need.
It can be difficult to let things go, especially after a lifetime of collecting them. The senior may want to pass things off to the children, grandchildren, friends, and children or grandchildren of friends, and they should have every right to do that.

If there are any items they don’t want to give away to family or friends but can’t keep, arrange to have a yard sale or tag sale on their behalf. This way other people can enjoy the possessions they’ve had and no longer need. It will also make moving day a lot easier.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Satsuma, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Satsuma AL, Helping an Aging Senior Plan for a Move Is Made Easier with These Four Steps · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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