Assisted living transition: care and services to look for

Author: Lisa Coleman
Published: Jun 22 2013

Making the decision to move into an assisted living facility is very difficult for most people, even if it is the best way for them to receive necessary care. After all, being independent is an important aspect of adult life, and giving that up can be scary and upsetting. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can help a loved one transition into an assisted living facility so that they will feel more comfortable and secure in their new surroundings.

What Type of Care and Services Should we Look for?

Selecting an assisted living facility should not be done quickly. Instead, you should carefully consider all of your options to ensure that your loved one receives the best care. You can begin your search for a local facility by doing an online search in your area, as most individuals prefer to keep their loved ones close by. For example, if you live in the Birmingham, AL area then a person would want to pursue a search engine entry of "Birmingham Alabama assisted living."  That will narrow down your search greatly.

Additional desirable options that you will want to keep an eye out for include prepared meals, scheduled transportation, maid services, a 24 hour emergency call system, month-to-month rent and individually controlled heating and cooling systems. Additionally, it is important for residents to have easy access to a staff member 24/7, and you will want to make sure that at least some of the people on staff have medical training.

Tips for the Transition

1) Visit Often - Although you might not be able to commit to visiting on a set schedule forever, you should make sure that you visit several times during the first month to help your loved one with the transition process.

2) Help them Decorate - Most assisted living facilities provide residents with their own apartment within the building. You can make it easier for them to get used to their new surroundings by helping them decorate the apartment with their favorite photographs, mementos and decorations.

3) Encourage them to Participate - Assisted living facilities typically place a major emphasis on providing programs and special events for their residents. For example, the facility might have a weekly bingo night and a senior yoga class. Encouraging your loved one to attend these programs will help them make friends more quickly.

4) Help them Discover the Benefits - Your loved one might complain at first because the facility is different from what they are used to. However, reminding them about all of the positive changes in comparison to taking care of a home on their own can help them embrace the situation.

What are the Perks?

If you are trying to convince someone to move into an assisted living facility, you should help them understand how much easier life will be. After all, they will have access to assistance whenever they need it, and they will also be able to save time and money on yard work and the general upkeep of a house. As an added bonus, it will be much easier for them to make friends in their own age range.

Transitioning into an assisted living facility may take some time, but most people are very happy once they get fully settled in. Therefore, helping your loved one select the right facility, and transition well into it, is one of the best ways that you can improve their quality of life.

Lisa Coleman writes to share ideas about what kinds of considerations should be made and how to help the transition into an assisted home more comfortable. Chateau Vestavia is a Birmingham Alabama assisted living residence that offers dedicated care and services around the clock for an elderly loved one.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chefranden/5344419117/

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