As people age, there often comes a time when they need assistance with their daily activities. This period can be challenging, as many individuals take great pride in their independence and strive to maintain it for as long as possible. However, the natural progression of age and the onset of various health conditions can gradually erode this self-sufficiency, necessitating help with everyday tasks.
This transition can be fraught with emotional difficulties and concerns. Older adults may worry about how they will adapt to life in a residential care facility, including whether they will fit in and build relationships with others. There is also a common fear that moving into such a setting might lead to a sense of abandonment by their family members. Despite these concerns, the reality often differs, with families continuing to provide love and support.
To ease this transition for both the elderly and their families, it is crucial to approach the move to supported living thoughtfully and carefully. But what specific steps can be taken to ensure this process is as smooth and comforting as possible? Here are some strategies and considerations to help make this significant life change a positive experience for everyone involved.
Find the right supported living community and trial it
Selecting the appropriate supported living community is a critical decision that requires careful consideration and thorough research. Rushing into this choice can lead to dissatisfaction and stress for both the elder and their family. Therefore, it’s essential to take the time to evaluate various aspects of potential communities to ensure they align with the specific needs and preferences of your loved one.
Begin by gathering detailed information about the types of care each facility offers. This includes understanding the daily routines, the level of medical and personal care available, and the staff’s qualifications and experience. Pay close attention to the general atmosphere of the community; it should be welcoming, comfortable, and compatible with your loved one’s personality and lifestyle. Visiting potential communities in person can provide invaluable insights into how they operate on a day-to-day basis and how residents interact with each other and with staff.
One effective strategy to ensure a good fit is to arrange a temporary respite care stay. This trial period allows the elder to experience life in the care home without making an immediate long-term commitment. It offers a practical way to assess whether the community meets their needs and expectations in real-life settings.
During the trial stay, observe how well the elder adapts to the new environment and how the staff handle their specific requirements. Evaluate the amenities available, such as communal spaces, dining options, and recreational activities. These elements play a significant role in the quality of life and overall happiness of residents. Additionally, pay attention to the interaction between staff and residents. Compassionate, attentive, and professional staff can significantly enhance the experience for your loved one.
By taking these steps, you can ensure a smoother transition into supported living. This approach not only helps in making an informed decision but also reassures the elder that they will receive the care and attention they deserve. Ultimately, the goal is to find a community where they can thrive, maintaining their dignity and quality of life in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Start Downsizing Early and Approach It with Care
Once you have identified the right supported living community for your loved one, it is advisable to begin the downsizing process well in advance. Tackling this task early can significantly reduce the emotional and physical stress associated with moving, and it allows for a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to what can be a challenging transition.
Elderly individuals often accumulate a lifetime’s worth of belongings, far more than what is necessary or practical for their new, more compact living space in a care home. This necessitates a careful selection process to determine which items to keep, which to store, sell, or donate, and which to dispose of. This process should be handled with sensitivity and respect for the emotional value these items may hold.
Steps to a Smooth Downsizing Process
Assess the New Living Space
Begin by thoroughly understanding the dimensions and layout of the new living space. Knowing the square footage, the provided furniture, and the storage options available will help in planning what can realistically be moved. This practical approach will help set realistic expectations and facilitate the selection process.
Gradual Approach
Spread the downsizing process over several weeks or even months. This gradual approach allows your loved one to adjust emotionally and mentally, making the transition less overwhelming. Choose times when they are in a good frame of mind to sort through their belongings, which can make the process smoother and more positive.
Create Categories
- Keep: Essential items that will fit into the new space and are necessary for daily life.
- Store: Items that have sentimental value but are not needed on a daily basis. These can be stored with family members or in a storage facility.
- Donate or Sell: Belongings that are in good condition but are no longer needed. Selling or donating these items can provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing they will be useful to others.
- Discard: Items that are broken, outdated, or no longer hold any value.
“Maybe” Piles
As you sort through belongings, create “maybe” piles for items that are difficult to decide on immediately. Revisit these piles after a few days or weeks; this time can provide perspective and help make final decisions easier.
Practice Living with Less
Gradually reduce the number of items in the current home. This can help your loved one acclimate to a simpler lifestyle and make the eventual move less jarring. They can start by living with only the essentials, getting used to the idea of minimalism in their current environment.
Emotional Support
Downsizing can be an emotional journey. Be there to provide support and understanding. Reminisce over cherished items and acknowledge the memories they hold. This emotional processing is crucial in helping your loved one let go and move forward.
By starting the downsizing process early and approaching it with care, you can transform what could be a stressful experience into a manageable and even positive transition. This careful planning and sensitive handling will help your loved one adapt to their new living arrangement with less anxiety and more comfort.
Help set up their new living space collaboratively
When it comes to the move in date, to provide the smoothest transition you need to make the space homely. As part of the initial downsizing, it’s important to keep sentimental items and belongings that provide comfort, whether that be pictures and photos on the wall, soft furnishings or anything else.
You can then provide that bit of familiarity when they do move. But what is worth doing is, if possible, making the decoration of the room a collaborative experience. Of course, if a loved one is moving into supported living, they aren’t going to be able to put furniture together, but they will be able to provide direction on where they want various belongings to go.
This collaboration can create a first happy memory in a new home, as well as ensuring they are as comfortable as possible in their new home.
Encourage them to throw themselves into supported living life
Moving into a care home can be a bit of a culture shock to begin with. It may be that living independently has seen them generally not get involved with activities outside the home, but social engagement is incredibly important in prolonging life and improving both physical and mental health in the elderly.
Care homes and residences that provide supported living have daily activities available to residents that can be really enriching and help them settle in much quicker, making friends while also taking their mind off the move itself.
Caregivers will try and build activities around their hobbies and interests, and it can be a great way to meet like-minded people and start a new chapter of their life.
Keep in touch regularly – they shouldn’t feel forgotten about
One of the biggest challenges with transitioning into supported living is that elders often can feel isolated from their family and in some cases feel like they’ve been forgotten about. It’s important to continue to show love and appreciation towards them, checking in regularly and seeing how they’re getting on.
You can create a schedule for different people to visit, ensuring they’re still getting their fix of family, but also enjoying the activities that are helping them be part of a new community.
There will be bumps along the way, but by showing love, taking your time and choosing the right care for elderly loved one, it can not only make the transition smooth, but really emphasise that it’s the right option for them and will be beneficial in the long run.
If you’d like to know more about supported living, get in touch with a member of our expert team at Valorum today.