Making a Smooth Transition From Independent Senior Living to Assisted Living

Making a transition from independent senior living to assisted living can be a big step. Whether considering this move for yourself or a loved one living in Arizona, it’s important to make sure all aspects of a move like this are done in an organized way to ensure a smooth transition.

Taking the time to do some research on the location where you want to live and communicating with your loved ones will help determine the best timing to join an assisted living community. It’s important to make the move when the timing is right, but it’s never too early to start planning.

Research

If you’re looking into an assisted living community for yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind while doing your research. If you need it, it’s always smart to reach out to someone you trust for help. It’s important to find the community that’s right for you. It does take a lot of work, but it’s an important part of a successful move.

Cost

Finding a place within your budget will help keep your stress low and help you stay financially stable. Many assisted living communities offer financial help. Here at Solterra, our independent senior living and assisted living have options for those who need a little financial help.

Location

It’s important to find a location that will work for you. Does that mean staying where you are or does it mean moving closer to family? Solterra offers multiple locations of independent and assisted senior living in Arizona and would love to help you find the best location for you.

Visit

As you search for a community that’s a good fit for you, visiting more than once can help you make your decision. Not only will it help you determine if a place meets your needs, but it will help you determine which place makes you feel more at home.

Talk to Residents

Talking to residents will help you get a feel for the community you’re thinking about joining. And it will allow you to get a glimpse of what it’s like to live there.

Make Yourself at Home

Have a meal while you are there, walk around, really get a feel for the community. Make it fun and bring a family member or a friend. They’ll be visiting you once you make your move, so it will be good to get another outlook on each community you visit.

A Smooth Move

Once you have chosen the senior living community that’s right for you, putting in the time and effort to get organized is very important and will help your transition to be as smooth as possible.

• Plan ahead. Getting your change-of-address filled out sooner rather than later is a good idea. There will be plenty on your plate, and this is one thing you don’t want to forget. Also, if the community you’re moving to doesn’t have internet or cable in your room, make an appointment and set it up before you move so the comforts of home are waiting for you when you arrive.
• Take the time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need. Allow yourself some freedom and donate or throw away items you don’t use or need anymore.
• Find movers that are trustworthy and decide how much help you need. Some moving companies only do the physical move and others help pack up your belongings as well. There are many moving companies with a lot of experience, and they can help make your move an organized one.

Here is a detailed list of all the things you might need to do during your move.

Give Yourself Time

Be kind to yourself during this transition from independent senior living by allowing plenty of time for the move. As it is, moving can be a stressful time, and with the decision to make the move to an assisted living community, you may experience unexpected emotions. This is normal and okay—let yourself adjust and make the emotional transition too.

Get Involved

Once you have made your move, it’s important to get involved in your community and enjoy what’s available to you. You have put so much effort into finding the best fit for you, so take advantage of all your new community has to offer. Social connections are important for our general happiness and well-being, so make sure with the busyness that a move brings, you keep your existing friendships close while you build new ones.

Make Your Home, Home!

Have fun in your new home and decorate. Whether that means keeping the same style as your previous living arrangement or finding some new furniture and decor, having a space that’s aesthetically pleasing and helps you relax will aid with your transition from independent senior living.

Get to Know the Staff

Meeting your neighbors in your new community is a lot of fun, but it also takes time to meet and get familiar with the staff. Not only does this allow them to become close with you and familiar with how you like things, but you get the joy of meeting some really awesome people. It’s a mutual benefit, and being familiar with the staff will help you reach out if you need anything.

Stay Active

Staying active will help keep your body feeling its best and help provide your brain with a sharper memory and better cognitive function. It can also stimulate the growth of new brain cells and release endorphins, which not only help you feel better but are the same chemicals released to help you concentrate on daily tasks.

Stay Involved Outside the Community

Staying in and participating in all your community has to offer is great, but continue to take advantage of getting out and enjoying the activities you are used to. At Solterra Senior Living’s multiple locations throughout Arizona, we provide transportation so you don’t have to give up the active lifestyle you love. All residents can take advantage of the available transportation, and we provide regular transportation for scheduled shopping and leisure trips.

The opportunities offered by your new community will help your transition from independent senior living to assisted living. It will help you get involved, make new friends, and make your new community feel like home. Transitioning from independent senior living in Arizona is easy at Solterra. We would love to talk to you as you start your research into an assisted living community. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to meeting you!