Help Your Parents Move into Assisted Living with These Tips

Help your parents move into assisted living with compassion, understanding, and support. At CRISTA Senior Living, we have a team of Lay Chaplains — seniors trained in chaplaincy — who walk alongside residents as they transition from independent to assisted living.

For five years, Pat and Thelma Parnell have faithfully served as lay chaplains. They go to dinner at CRISTA Assisted Living several times a week to meet people and encourage them. “Most people don’t want to move from Independent Living to assisted living and it’s a hard adjustment for them,” Thelma said. “They don’t feel well, and they have to make new friends. Transitions are difficult, and we help people through those. They are usually hungry for someone to talk with and always want to know that we’re coming back for another visit.”

Pat finds that no matter how many seniors in assisted living they visit, the common thread is a desire to be heard and to know someone cares about them. That’s also the most important thing you can do as the child of senior parents moving into an assisted living facility. The following are more ways to help your parent transition to assisted living as smoothly as possible.

Visit CRISTA Senior Assisted Living with Your Parents

Arrange a visit to CRISTA Senior Living with your parents. If they already live in Cristwood Park in Shoreline, WA, or Crista Shores in Silverdale, WA, tour the assisted living facilities together and involve them in the decision-making process. Let them see the amenities, meet the staff, and get a sense of the community’s atmosphere. Seeing the place firsthand can help them feel more comfortable with the idea of moving.

Open and Honest Communication with Your Parents

Talk openly with your parents about moving into assisted living. Listen to their feelings, concerns, and preferences. Assure that you are there to support them through the process and that their well-being is your top priority.

Emphasize the Positives with Your Parents

Highlight the benefits of assisted living, such as having access to 24/7 care, social activities, and a supportive community. Let your mom or dad know that this move will enhance their quality of life and provide the assistance they need while maintaining their independence.

Help Your Parents Downsize

Moving to assisted living facility often involves downsizing. Help your parents sort through belongings and decide what to bring to their new home. Be patient and understanding, as parting with cherished items may be emotionally challenging for them.

Personalize Your Parents New Space

Once your parents move in, help them decorate and personalize their new living space. Familiar items, family photos, and mementos can make the environment more comfortable and welcoming.

Introduce Your Parents to Residents and Staff

Encourage your parents to meet their new neighbors and staff members. Social interaction can ease the adjustment period and help them feel more connected to the community.

Give Emotional Support to Your Parents

Moving can be emotionally taxing, and your parents might experience mixed feelings during this transition. Be there to provide emotional support, patience, and understanding. Remind them that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions and assure them that you are there for them.

Stay Involved in the Process to Help Your Parents

Stay involved in your parent’s care and activities at CRISTA Senior Living. Regular visits, phone calls, and participation in community events can help them feel connected to family while adjusting to their new home.

Celebrate Milestones with Your Parents

Celebrate milestones and accomplishments during your parent’s time at assisted living. Acknowledge their achievements and the positive aspects of their new life to reinforce the idea that this move was the right decision.

Give Your Parents Time

According to Working Daughter blog, it takes three to six months for someone to adjust to assisted living. Be patient with the process and allow your parents to acclimate at their own pace. Offer your ongoing support and love throughout the journey.

Remember that moving into assisted living is a significant life change, and it’s natural for both you and your parents to have mixed emotions. Taking a personal approach filled with empathy and support can make a positive difference in this transition for both of you.

Schedule a tour today to see our beautiful communities at CRISTA Senior Living in Shoreline, WA, or Crista Shores in Silverdale, WA.