9 Tips: Preparing For The Big Move To Senior Care Community

The thought of moving can be daunting for anyone, let alone seniors who may be leaving their homes for the first time in decades. If you’re helping an elderly relative make the transition to a senior care community, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Visit https://stdominicvillage.org/ if you are in search of a good care community.

Tips to start

1. Get organized early. Give yourself plenty of time to sort through your relative’s belongings and decide what to keep, what to sell, and what to donate. It will help your relative feel less overwhelmed by the move.
2. Have a yard sale. This is a great way to declutter and make some extra money that can be used to help pay for the move or for anything else your relative may need.
3. Purge the pantry. Moving into a retirement community typically means giving up a kitchen, so your relative will want to use up all perishable items before the move.
4. Don’t forget about medications. Your relative will need to transfer prescriptions before moving, so be sure to allow plenty of time for that process. It’s also a good idea to make a list of all medications—prescription and over-the-counter—that your relative is taking so that staff at the senior care community can be aware of any allergies or sensitivities.
5. Make copies of important documents. Be sure you have copies of your relative’s birth certificate, social security card, insurance information, and anything else that may be needed during the transition period.
6. Start packing early. Packing can be time-consuming, so it’s best to start well in advance of the move date. Begin with items that are least likely to be needed so that you don’t have to pack and unpack multiple times.
7. Choose comfortable clothing and shoes. Your relative will want to be comfortable during the move, so make sure he or she has loose-fitting clothes and shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
8. Set aside valuable items. Keep valuables on your person rather than packed away with the rest of your belongings.
9. Plan for downtime. Even if you try to prepare as much as possible in advance, there will still be lots to do once you arrive at the new place. Try to clear your schedule for at least a week so that you can focus on helping your relative adjust to the new environment.

Conclusion:

So, if you’re helping an elderly relative make the transition to a senior care community, keep these tips in mind for making the move smooth and stress-free.