8 Tips for Transitioning Your Loved One to One of Our Homes [infographic]

At The Almost Home Group, we work hard to ensure our homes maintain a comfortable, caring environment with all the amenities and activities your loved one needs to thrive in the later years of their life. At the same time, the transition can still be difficult. Here are some tips for helping your loved one adjust:

1. Maintain communication—Your loved one needs to know that even though they live somewhere else, you are still there for them. Call, text, and/or email often.
2. Help them continue their old routine—Does your loved one start every day with a cup of coffee and the newspaper? Help them find ways to continue their daily routines, so they are able to maintain some of their old rituals.
3. Visit often—Nothing says you care more than visiting often. Make a point every week or every few days to stop by just to say hi or to visit for a longer period of time.
4. Send flowers or a letter—Make your loved one’s new living situation feel like home by sending them mail! A quick note or a bouquet of flowers delivered to them can go a long way.
5. Help with the actual move—Packing, unpacking, and making moving arrangements can be overwhelming. Help your loved one manage the physical aspect of their move, but refrain from taking over entirely.
6. Recognize the difficulties, but remain positive—Transitioning to an assisted living home can be challenging in many ways, but there are also many benefits. While you should recognize that this is a difficult change, try to remain positive and show your support.
7. Don’t rush into selling your loved one’s home—Your loved one may have left a home behind that they have yet to sell. If your loved one has plans to sell, give help where needed, but do not rush this process if it is not necessary.
8. Refrain from taking over decisions—Many decisions will need to be made in the weeks and months before your loved one’s move to one of our homes. Give your input and guidance where requested, but try your best not to take over the decision-making process entirely.