Helping a Family Member Transfer to Assisted Living

Any type of move, whether cross-town or cross-country, can be a big change. Moving into assisted living can be especially overwhelming, both for the person who needs care and for their loved ones. Fortunately, helping elderly parents move to assisted living doesn’t have to be stressful. Here, Coventry House Assisted Living highlights some best practices for making the transition go smoothly.

Selecting an Assisted Living Facility

If you have an elderly family member who needs to move into assisted living, you may not know how to go about finding the right facility. Consider these factors to help you narrow down your options:

• Location: Does your loved one want to stay in the same community where they live now? Do they need to move closer to their children or grandchildren?
• Services: Some facilities have tiered services so that residents can stay at one facility as their needs change, moving from independent living to more day-to-day care and support.
• Pricing: Average costs for assisted living can vary widely by location, so make sure you have information about all costs upfront. Ask about any hidden or add-on fees.
• Staffing levels: Be sure to ask how the facility is staffed and how frequently your loved one will be checked on. You can also review the facility’s safety records for recent state inspections.
• Amenities: Does the facility offer onsite activities, field trips, or social events?

You should always book a tour of any facility you’re considering. This will help you and your loved one get a real sense of the community. You’ll be able to see rooms and common areas in person, meet staff and other residents, and learn about onsite services and amenities.

When to Move From Independent to Assisted Living

If you have a family member who has already transitioned into independent living, you may be wondering when they’ll need a higher level of care. Some senior communities offer both independent and assisted living at one facility. Your loved one may need the extra support that assisted living provides if they:

• Have difficulty with daily activities like bathing, grooming, or preparing meals
• Are showing signs of memory loss or cognitive decline
• Have had more falls or accidents recently
• Have experienced changes in their health that require a more complicated medication regimen or a special diet

In addition to talking with your loved one, you may also want to consult with their physician or onsite aides to get a better sense of their needs.

Preparing for the Move

Once you have selected the right facility, it’s time to get ready to move. Because your parent or loved one will probably be downsizing significantly, you’ll need to help them sort through a lot of belongings. Give yourself plenty of time to pack and prepare. Ask the facility for a list of recommended items to bring and an assisted living move-in checklist. Consider how you want to handle any belongings that won’t fit at the new place – does your parent want to donate them, store them, or give them to someone else in the family? Additionally, you’ll want to:

• Arrange for a moving company
• Set up mail forwarding
• Cancel or transfer utilities
• Update address information for bank accounts and credit cards

You should also check with the facility to ask about any prohibited items so you know what not to bring.

Learn More About When to Move to Assisted Living

When your loved one is at a trusted assisted living facility, you can be confident in the quality of care they’ll receive. If you’re looking for a reputable provider, consider Coventry House Assisted Living. Located in Othello, Washington, and serving older adults throughout Eastern WA State, Coventry House Assisted Living is proud to offer both independent and assisted living. Our community includes single-family homes, condominiums, and assisted living apartments so that residents can find the best living situation to suit their needs. For more information about helping elderly parents move to assisted living, call us at 509-488-1000 or contact us today.