Preparing for the Transition to
Assisted Living (Memory Care) – Part I
If you have decided it’s time to transition mom or dad into an Assisted Living (Memory Care) community, you probably have a lot to do in order to prepare for the move. As is the case with any relocation, a move into assisted living can be a stressful time. Assuming you have already researched different alternatives and chosen the best option for your loved one, it’s now time to start thinking about the details of the move.
Aside from the obvious logistics considerations, there are many things to consider in the realm of finances, legal, and medical. This article is the first in a series that will attempt to answer some of the most common questions people have when preparing their loved one for a move into assisted living. Although answers to common inquiries, such as what clothing to pack, might vary somewhat depending on the specific community’s amenities and care services, some general guidelines will apply to most AL/MC communities. We will also try to touch upon some of the issues that new residents and families encounter that people almost never even think about beforehand.
At a high level, a good way to think about a move into assisted living is that it is comparable to moving a son or daughter into a college dorm. The items that you need to pack are similar, supplies that you’ll need to routinely restock are comparable, and some of the financial considerations even mirror those of paying for college. Furthermore, since the size of a college dorm room is similar to the size of an AL/MC unit, you’re dealing with similar constraints. Obviously, you’re not going to try to move all of your loved one’s belongings into an assisted living unit just as you wouldn’t pack all of your child’s belongings and expect them to fit into a college dorm room.
Psychologists often cite moving as one of life’s most stressful events. A move into assisted living can put just as much strain on the family as relocating to a new town and a new house. Hopefully, this series of articles will help to alleviate some of the uncertainty. Also, the staff at Iris Memory Care is always here to answer any questions you have during this trying time.