You’ve made significant progress in your journey to senior living, from determining the best care option, calculating the cost, having the conversation, and preparing for the move. As move-in day approaches, knowing what to expect will ease the transition – physically and emotionally.
Adequate planning can be the difference between moving into senior living with nervous excitement or stress. The more you can prepare ahead of time, the smoother the move-in day will go.
Move-In Day Schedule
An impactful method of planning for moving day is to understand the process. Although every community has its own set of steps and procedures, you can generally expect the following events to occur:
The assisted living community will help schedule and coordinate the move. The staff will provide a timeframe – such as between noon and 5:00 p.m. – when you can bring your belongings and start moving in.
Whether helping a loved one or transitioning to a community environment, ensure you facilitate the move within the designated time. Attempting to arrive any earlier could mean you’ll have to wait for your apartment to be ready.
When you arrive, a representative will greet you and your family and guide you to the apartment. They’ll ensure you and your loved ones know where things are and will answer your questions.
Once you become acquainted with the apartment, you’ll receive the keys and other helpful information or wearable technology, like an emergency call pendant. If you need assistance with anything, such as Wi-Fi setup or cable TV connection, you can submit a work order, and a friendly staff member will help. The community’s maintenance team is there to assist you, so don’t hesitate to ask for whatever you need.
After you get everything inside the apartment, it’s time to add your personal touch. Hang artwork, set up picture frames, unpack clothing items, and make the space your own. The sooner you unpack, the more comfortable and relaxed you and your loved ones will be.
It’s helpful to involve family and friends as you unpack. Perhaps consider preparing the apartment for your loved one while they meet with staff, enjoy a meal, or attend a program to ease anxiety.
To combat feeling overwhelmed when moving into senior living, consider creating a to-do list that outlines your essential tasks for the first few days. You could prioritize unpacking toiletries and assembling the bed on day one, organizing clothing on the second day, and setting up decorations on the third. However you choose to tackle the process, splitting it into tangible parts will help reduce stress.
Explore the New Chapter
After the boxes are empty, step back and relax. Consider arranging a meeting time with staff for introductions and to discuss needs – it can help make the transition easier.
As an older adult moving into senior living, feeling at home can take a while. Adult children and caregivers can also struggle with the new reality. However, you can do a few things to make the most of this new chapter.
Being the “new kid on the block” can feel intimidating – you’re in a different place with people you don’t yet know. Making your apartment feel like home is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new environment.
From a wreath on your door to family photographs, the more you make your apartment cozy and inviting, the better. Adding a personal touch helps calm your nerves and lets other residents learn about you.
Another way to feel more at home is by spending time with those you love. Consider inviting your family and friends over once you’ve settled in. Give them an all-inclusive tour, introduce them to staff and fellow residents, and enjoy a meal together. Before you know it, you’ll be extending invites to your neighbors for coffee dates and movie nights.
Although your loved one has officially moved into a senior living community, your role doesn’t disappear. Many older adults lean on their family and friends for support during the first few weeks and months.
One of the best ways to offer encouragement is by scheduling regular visits. Your planned get-togethers give your parent, spouse, or family member something to look forward to. Consider surprising them by bringing your children or others along.
When someone moves into a new home, giving them a housewarming gift shows you care. Perhaps cook your loved one’s favorite meals to fill their fridge. Doing so demonstrates your love for them and can help ease the anxiety often associated with eating meals in common spaces during the first few weeks.
Another way you can assist is by helping them develop a daily routine. Rituals provide comfort and familiarity, making them especially vital in new environments. Assisting your loved ones in establishing a routine allows them to settle into their new home and life.
- Which Care Option is Right for Me?
- Determining Needs and Level of Care
- When is Assisted Living Needed?
- How to Find the Best Senior Living Community
- Paying for Assisted Living
- How to Pay for Senior Living
- How to Apply for VA Assisted Living Benefits
- Financial Planning Worksheet
Moving Into Senior Living Is Intimidating, But Sundale Can Help
Moving into senior living is an exciting and rewarding chapter of life. At Sundale Senior Living in Huntsville, TX, we help older adults take advantage of their retirement by providing a comfortable, vibrant community atmosphere where they can thrive.
Personalized support, nutritious, chef-inspired meals, renovated apartment-style living, and beautiful courtyards are but a few world-class assisted living amenities we offer. We aim to help you and your family seamlessly transition into our community. Our team’s dedication to every resident’s well-being ensures you and your loved ones receive the support needed to confidently enter this new phase.
If you’re ready to take the next step, speak with our Executive Director today. We look forward to meeting you!
The Lexington Center staff are very friendly to everyone who comes in. You can tell immediately that they love the residents because they love what they do. There is always just “happy” noise in the atmosphere. The community has beautiful, Southern Plantation decor and architecture. The rooms are spacious and the common areas are beautiful as well with lots of windows and feels open with lots of sunshine!
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It’s a really great place to work at. The staff are really joyful to work with everyone works as a team and gets along great with each other. The main reason I work there is because the residents are so happy there you can tell they really enjoy the community and how well thay are looked after by the nursing staff we all go the extra mile to make them feel right at home.
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When I moved here, I didn’t know what to expect since I’d never lived anywhere but home. From the very start, I felt nothing but absolute concern and interest in my health and well-being. There has never been anytime that I’ve doubted I was in the right place.
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The staff and administration at Sundale are simply outstanding. I feel so blessed to be here with such caring people.
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I have been so impressed by the compassion and care the staff has for residents. The relationships are truly that of family. I can’t imagine a better place for late in life care.
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Sundale Makes Assisted Living Services in Texas Hassle-Free
At Sundale Senior Living, we aim to smooth the transition to assisted living. When you visit our renovated community for an in-person tour, we’ll answer all your questions and ensure you feel welcomed and comfortable.
We offer senior respite care in Huntsville, TX, if you or your loved one is unsure whether assisted living is the right fit. All individuals in respite stay enjoy the same amenities and engaging programs as full-time residents – without the commitment.
If you’re interested in an in-person tour or learning more about moving to a senior living community, we’re here to help. Call us today to learn more about assisted living in Huntsville, Texas.