Moving is complicated no matter how old you are. Aside from the rollercoaster of emotions, you need to sort through your closets, pack your clothes, and clean whatever is left, which are all mentally and physically exhausting. Though a new adventure may be exciting, the change could be more difficult to process, especially for older adults.

If you are currently planning for your senior loved one’s move to a retirement community, like Reata Glen, ask these two questions to yourself. First, “how much can we afford?” and second is, “what kind and level of care do they need? It’s important to discuss these with your other family members before looking for the ideal facility.

Once you pick what you believe is the best, the next step is to help prepare for the move, which can be hard. The biggest challenge in this stage is probably the adjustment to living with new people and the environment. Here are six simple but helpful tips to help you and your loved ones in handling this transition:

Research the Best Practices for Downsizing

Look around your home and see what they need to bring and what not. By this time, you have probably visited the retirement community, so you would know if there’s much space for your loved one’s belongings. You may also look for helpful advice online or ask friends and family about the best practices in downsizing. 

Recreate a Familiar Environment

The sooner they manage to make the retirement community their new home, the faster they will go through the adjustment period. This can happen by making it a home away from home. While it may be tempting to sell their old items and buy new ones for a fresh start, this may be harder for them to settle in.

It’s important that the household belongings they treasure the most will have a space in their new assisted living home. Also, arrange their room the way they like it.

Get Involved

Before the big day, you can ask your aging loved one to participate in activities and other events in the retirement community you chose. If possible, ask the staff if they can come by sometime and get to know other residents. This helps ease their anxiety when the moving day arrives.

That’s why choosing the right retirement community is crucial. You want a facility with staff that is helpful when needed. During your search online, make sure to visit their website and read their “About Us” or “Our Firm” page to have a picture of who they are.

Make a Schedule About Family Visits

After their move, you might be tempted to visit every day. This might be a bad idea because you keep them from getting involved and making friends. However, you don’t want them to feel abandoned, especially during their adjustment period. 

It’s always best to set up a schedule when family and friends can visit. This helps encourage them to participate in new activities and socialize more within the community. At the same time, you are making sure there is a steady stream of visitors.

Consider Planning a Welcome Party 

A welcome party can be a good way to help your loved one overcome this transition, wherein they can invite their fellow residents. There’s something they will look forward to and a chance to show their new home. You can talk with the dining staff and ask if they can help arrange snacks.

Expect and Prepare for Emotional Times

After all your efforts, there will be some issues along the way. There are days when they become emotional that may result in conflicts and stress on your part. Remember to remind yourself and your loved one that this is a normal part of the transition and that everything will be fine in the coming days.