Moving your aging parents into assisted living can go smoothly if you plan ahead of time.  Good organization is the key for easing your parents into accepting their new living arrangements. 

Here are 4 tips from caregivers who have already  experienced such moves into senior housing.  These  tips can go a long way to  help the process happen without the kinks and disappointments which otherwise could sabotage your efforts. 

1. If your aging parent is suffering from dementia, don’t over- explain the move.

Accept the move  as matter-of-fact.  That’s helps them decide it’s more of a natural change.

Don’t bother your parent with a lot of unnecessary details.  Some older seniors are unable to absorb too much information at one time. Give them the facts in small bytes.

2. Bring in other family members to help

This insures everyone will be having a part in the move.  That’s important because if anything goes wrong family members won’t be  sitting on the sidelines criticizing your efforts.  This keeps feelings from getting hurt.

They’ll have to jump in with you and make it happen. Dole out the chores and give everyone  a job. That way you won’t have to bear all the responsibility alone.

3. Keep your parents away on the day of the move

The last thing you need is your weeping mother or dad getting in the way of the movers.  That’s not a good scenario.

After all the arrangements have been made, it will be virtually impossible to change anything at that point.

Arrange for professional movers to come in and get it done efficiently. They’re the experts, they know what they’re doing and it will free you to give more attention to your parents.

Take your parents somewhere,  while the move is going on.     Perhaps you or a family member could take them out to lunch and make moving day a pleasant time rather than a time of intense anxiety.

4. Give your parents a chance to try out the assisted living facility

Nothing should be written in concrete until your parents have had a chance to see if the assisted living facility will be one they can comfortably live in. 

Let’s face it.  Some facilities are better fits than others.  By giving your parents a period of adjustment you can remove them before signing a contract that may cost you a lot of money to get out of.  

Moving day does not have to be a stressful time.  With the proper planning and organization it can go much more smoothly for everyone.   

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