Moving into an assisted living community is a major life event. Along with the move itself, the emotional aspects that come with you or your family member sorting through belongings, downsizing, and deciding which items to keep and what to part with are a lot.
As a luxury senior living provider in Texas, Franklin Park® Senior Living understands that every person and their family has a unique journey when it comes to transitioning into assisted living. But our team is here to help you through every step of the process.
To ensure a happy and successful journey, we are sharing a few best practices and tips for moving into an assisted living community.
Tip 1: Find the *Right* Community
The first step in this journey is to find the right assisted living community for you or your family member. Keep in mind that what is right for someone else may not be right for you.
Exceptional and supportive care should be at the heart of any assisted living community you consider, so you want to look beyond that.
- Does the community offer varying levels of care should needs change?
- Is the community appropriately staffed for the number of residents?
- Is the community located in an area you or your loved one would enjoy?
Additionally, the assisted living community you choose needs to offer amenities and activities that align with your or your loved one’s interests and desired lifestyle. If you love to get outside, make sure the community features well-kept outdoor spaces or is located near walking trails, parks, and other outdoor recreation. If transportation is a challenge, make sure the community provides transportation services to appointments, shopping, and entertainment.
Throughout our luxury senior living communities in San Antonio, Franklin Park®’s professional caregivers are committed to providing quality care and offering engaging experiences and community gatherings to help residents and guests thrive.
Assisted Living Amenities and Services at Franklin Park® Senior Living Include:
- Security Features
- Social, Mental, and Spiritual Services
- Transportation Services
- Business Amenities
- Upscale Dining Areas
- Health & Fitness Centers
- On-Site Shopping
- Community Pool (May Vary by Location)
Tip 2: Make the New Space Feel Like Home
Once you find the right community, you have to decide what to pack for the move. Transitioning into an assisted living community often means downsizing – but this does not mean downgrading! It simply means organizing and decluttering your life. As Ukrainian author, Vironika Tugaleva once said, “At the end of the day, your relationships with the people in your life will be greater assets than any material things. Take time. Be present. You’ll thank yourself for it later.”
Going through your home or a family member’s home can be a time-consuming and emotional process. Remember to be patient and give yourself enough time before moving day. To get an idea of where to start, download our free Moving Checklist.
It is important that you or your loved one feel comfortable in the new home. Bring sentimental and personal items such as family photos, keepsakes, and furnishings to make it feel more like home. Doing so can help ease the transition into the new community.
Work with the community ahead of time to get an understanding of what you are allowed to bring with you. For instance, ask if the apartment comes fully furnished and make sure you know the measurements of the new space so you don’t overpack or bring furniture too large to fit.
Tip 3: Keep An Open Mind
The most important tip we can offer is to keep an open mind about assisted living. This move requires change and adjustment, and being reluctant to that will only create a negative experience. Instead, embrace the new lifestyle, relish is the freedom from home maintenance, and connect with peers and neighbors – many of whom have gone through the same transition as you and your family.
Moving into an assisted senior living community is a big step, but following these simple tips can help make it a more positive one. Our team at Franklin Park® Senior Living is here to help guide you and your family through every step of the senior living journey. We invite you to visit our website or contact a member of our team to learn more about our luxury senior living communities through San Antonio.