According to Where You Live matters, it’s common for seniors to move to assisted living communities between the ages of 75 to 84. If your loved one is relocating to one of these communities, you’ll need to handle their move with care. You want to ensure that they transition smoothly and feel comfortable in their new environment. Since they will be moving to a smaller space, you must carefully plan your packing list and ensure you bring all of their most treasured belongings. Here are some essential things for seniors to bring when moving to assisted living communities.
1. Home Furnishings
While a senior living community will have new furniture for residents to use, many seniors want to bring as many familiar items as possible with them to ease their transition. This can help their new living space feel more like home. Some communities will permit residents to provide their own beds, chairs, tables, desks, or nightstands. However, if a facility requires that residents use the furniture that’s already on the premises, they can bring smaller items like pillows, blankets, and artwork to hang on the walls.
2. Entertainment
While an assisted living facility will keep residents busy with a variety of enriching activities, it’s still important to provide more familiar entertainment items as well. For instance, your loved one may want to continue watching their favorite TV shows, reading their favorite books, or listening to their favorite music. Bringing the necessary items to enjoy these activities will help ensure that they don’t grow bored in their new environment.
3. Toiletries
While residents typically start using new toiletries when they move, some seniors may want to stick to specific brands of shampoo, lotion, soap, or sunscreen. Look at the brands your loved one already has at home, and consider visiting them periodically to replenish these items as needed.
4. Clothing
Clothing is an important form of self-expression for many people and ensuring that your loved one has the right clothes on hand can play a major role in promoting their confidence. As you pack, be sure to provide items that are both comfortable and stylish. Don’t forget to include clothes for all seasons, and ask your loved one if there are any particular articles of clothing that are especially important to them.
Moving to an assisted living facility is a big life change. Packing the right items will help make it easier for your loved one to adjust to their new home. If you’re unsure of what your loved one will need to bring when they move to DeSoto Palms, don’t hesitate to ask our staff for suggestions. Contact us today with any questions you have about our facilities.