Moving mom & dad into senior living is not exactly like dropping off your freshman at college! Though both come with a variety of emotions… excitement, nervousness, and recognizing it’s a new chapter for your loved one. We are here to help you.
Many of Traditions’ communities have move in coordinators to support your family’s transition, so while this could be a first for you – we have done it hundreds of times and wanted to share best practices.
Let’s start out with when to move in! We recommend you think of this in two stages:
Mondays – Wednesdays are the best time to move in. That allows more time to help the resident get better acclimated before the weekend.
Once you’ve decided your day, let the move in coordinator & other staff know what time to expect you. Staff can be sure they have moving equipment, like carts or dollies, ready for your use; and will show you what outside entrance will work best. Recognize this may take the full day or more if you are moving to a bigger apartment or villa/garden home.
Don’t forget technology! Have the TV and remote in one of those early loads, so our maintenance team can have cable hooked up in time for when your loved one walks in!
Now that the apartment has become a home, your loved one is ready to move in… stress-free. They missed the chaos that comes with any move. All the storage boxes, bubble-wrap and bags have been whisked away. It’s just Home. Sweet. Home.
We can take it from here! We are on hand to be sure they know the way to dining, physical therapy, chapel or outdoor courtyard.
We ask all those questions about interests, past professions, and hobbies to pair them with like-minded residents. They will not be sitting alone in the dining room – but rather engaged in conversation and experiencing socialization (one of our core values).
This may be the hardest part – and much like dropping off your freshman – you need to give them time to adjust. Plan on a visit about a week later to check-in, we’ve found by then the fears are diminished and friendships are starting to be made.
