When you take your loved one to a retirement community, it is essential to ensure they are as happy as possible. While assisted living homes generally go out of their way to ensure that residents are well-settled, the truth is that there is a lot you can do as an individual to ensure that your loved ones are happy as well. Here are some things you can do to ensure that your loved ones are well settled in.
Involve Them In The Choice
A great way to ensure that your parents are happy with the choice of retirement community is t involve them in the selection process. This is, of course, dependent on whether they are physically and cognitively able to be part of the process. People like different things, and the reality is that what you may find pleasing may not please your loved one. It is always a great idea to ensure that you visit the shortlisted retirement homes before and tour the campus. This allows you to see the floor plans, the size of the apartments, and much more. You also get to take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding environment and the town in which it is located. If your parents select a particular retirement community, it is wise to go with that choice, all other factors are constant.
Address Their Concerns
Another thing that you can do to ensure that your loved ones are happy with the choice of retirement community is to address any concerns that they may have. Moving into a retirement community can be a tough undertaking and it is common for people to have many concerns about the next chapter of their lives. As far as possible, ensure that you answer their questions clearly and truthfully. You should also allow them to ask the management of the retirement community any questions that they may have. This way, they get clarity and peace of mind that the retirement community they are going into is a perfect fit for them.
Help Them Make The Move
A great way to ensure that your loved ones are well-settled is to assist them to make the move. Moving into a retirement community is a little different from moving into another house as you often have to decide what items to move with, which ones to dispose of and which ones to retain. You can help them ensure that valuable documents, jewelry, and other precious items are secured in a safe deposit box or somewhere else where they are secure. Other items that they may not need could be sold or donated. Donating works of art and other items is also a great way to begin contributing to the community you are moving into. A great idea is to donate such items to the local art gallery where they can be displayed or sold to raise money for charity.
