Assisted living doesn't have to mean an end to an independent lifestyle. In fact, modern assisted living facilities provide plenty of opportunities to still maintain some aspects of living alone, but with added assistance, that can make life easier for seniors on the whole. So if you're dreading the move, here are some tips on how to adapt more easily.

Do your research

You'll want to choose the right assisted living community for yourself. This exercise might entail visiting quite a few communities in your area to get a feel for what there is out there. Areas you might want to pay attention to when you visit include how friendly the staff is there, how clean and hygienic the facilities are, and if there is a sense of happiness and contentedness in the air from the residents themselves.

Considering more than one option

If you foresee the need to also look into a skilled nursing facility instead of just assisted living, then doing a fair bit of research here is useful if you should require round-the-clock attention. Fortunately, one can do a fair amount of research online before inspecting the facility in person. When reading through their website, look out for extensive facility reports so that you can have a good idea of what's on offer there. Furthermore, the website should also indicate what the facility is likely to cost if there are any payment options available, what the payment terms are, and if there are any reviews that might allude to the service levels there before you make your final decision.

Take a sneak peek before moving in

Taking a sneak peek at the place before moving in will hopefully help to ease your anxiety about the situation. Over and above visiting, try to make a day or evening of it by getting involved in what there is to offer there. You never know; you might even end up hitting it off with a potential lifelong friend, which should help to make moving that much sweeter.

Pack with care

Next, you'll want to focus on the packing process to ensure you don't end up rushing through it and forgetting some of your most prized possessions along the way. So, take your time if you want, accept help from others and try to make the process as seamless as possible to ensure it is a pleasant exercise at the end of the day.

Make sure all the 'admin' is taken care of

Moving to a new home will undoubtedly mean that you'll have to deal with all the 'admin' that comes with this, such as updating your residential address with your bank and utility providers so that statements and bills arrive at the right address. Additionally, you may have to cancel some of your existing subscriptions and services, as these features might already come with your new home.

Try to embrace the rollercoaster of emotions

Even though a move can be exciting, you may be faced with a host of emotions you weren't expecting, such as trepidation, fear, and anxiety over what is to come next. The key lies in trying to process these emotions as best you can so that these don't spill over later with disastrous effects. So lean on others you love and trust to help you get through this time.

Moving to assisted living can seem like a sudden change if you're not ready for it mentally. However, with the proper preparation, you can make it so that you have a good assisted living facility to go to, helping to make the process a bit more manageable.

Visit the Artesia Christian Home website for more information about our compassionate care programs for seniors.

Image via Pexels