The decision to move into a long-term care or assisted living facility is a huge one, and it’s one that rarely occurs without some conflict and disagreement. Your elder parent might insist that they don’t need help, that you can handle their extra needs, or that you’re just trying to get rid of them.

In the end, nobody wants to take this step, but it can be necessary, and there are things you can do to ease the transition, help them settle in, and reestablish their lives. Explore the steps to plan the transition for your senior loved one from home to assisted living facility and how an elder law attorney can be of help.

Assisted Living Transition: The Challenge of Change

Change is never an easy thing. It helps to understand what your senior parent is feeling when you take this step. They’re afraid of losing their entire life, their home that they’ve lived in for years. They’re afraid they won’t be liked, that the staff might be mean, and especially that you might forget about them. Understand that it’s going to take some time for them to properly settle in, and you’ll need to be supportive and patient this entire time.

Issues of Privacy

One of the most common concerns about assisted living facilities are issues of privacy. Your parent will suddenly be living in a communal space with people they don’t know. Privacy concerns are natural, but it should soon become evident that they will still have their own space where they can get away from the hustle and bustle and be by themselves.

They key thing to remember is that residents are still in control of their lives, and decide when people can visit and who. If you have concerns about this, you should talk with facility staff and include your parent on the discussion.

Planning the Move

As soon as possible after you choose a facility, begin to plan the move. Determine which personal items are going along, which furniture and clothes are moving, and which are being donated, sold or stored off-site. Visiting the facility to determine how much space you’ll have is paramount.

Begin packing well ahead of the move. This will give time to get used to the idea and to make adjustments as you go. Try to stay positive and be as helpful as you can. Get your friends, family and loved ones involved with the moving process so they can show their support and be present.

Get to Know the Facility

Get to know the facility as well as possible in advance. Read all brochures and informational materials you can get including policies and procedures. Meet with the director or administrator of the facility before you move. Be sure to have any questions or concerns, no matter how minor, addressed in advance. Ask about suggested items to bring along. Be frugal in what you pack. Above all, try to be supportive, breathe and relax. Everything will be okay.

If you need help or advice with any elder law or estate planning issues, consider calling the elder law attorneys at Stano Law for help. We’ve provided aid to Cuyahoga County residents for many years, and are here for you as well. Get in touch with us today.