Tips for helping your parent transition to senior living

Your parent has made the decision to sell their home and move to a senior living community. Both of you may feel excited and relieved, but you may also feel anxiety and guilt, and your parent may feel sad, skeptical and even angry.

In this guide, we’ll share ways you can help your parent transition to community living and how to manage your emotions following their move. To keep track of all the details leading up to moving day, use our checklist below.

5 tips to help ease your parent’s transition to senior living

1. Make downsizing uplifting

Your parent’s home is likely filled with cherished belongings accumulated over decades, which can evoke strong emotions. To help keep these emotions positive, put on some music, break out the wine and cheese, and invite other family members to help sort through everything.

2. Get acquainted before the move

A familiar face goes a long way to making your parent feel more relaxed and assured. Before moving day, accompany your parent to their new community. Share a meal in the restaurant and encourage them to attend a social event to meet their new neighbors.

3. Get your parent a housewarming gift

Upon move-in, the community leadership team will show your parent the comforts and features of their new apartment, and a surprise, personalized housewarming gift can increase their excitement. Some ideas include a recent family photo, knitted blanket, favorite homemade dessert or a craft made by grandchildren.

4. Give them space

You may feel tempted to visit and call your parent more frequently when they first move in, but be careful not to overdo it. It’s okay to stop by for an occasional meal or join them for a social event, but give them time to meet their new neighbors and explore the community.

5. Monitor their well-being

Ask your parent if they are eating well, taking medications, engaging with others and staying active. Talk with the community director to stay apprised of your parent’s physical and emotional health, and ask what arrangements can be made to help them adapt to their new environment.

Managing your own emotions

The excitement you feel over your parent’s new beginning can sometimes be accompanied by feelings of sadness or guilt. Understanding the many ways older adults benefit from a community setting may ease these concerns, but it’s also important to share your feelings with family and friends, who can provide different perspectives and offer advice. Here are a few other ways to practice self-care as your parent gets settled.

Find support

If you feel conflicting emotions about your parent’s move, consider discussing the situation with the director of the senior living community. If warranted, they may be able to recommend a therapist to help you work through this time.

Consider the alternative

Remember that maintaining a household was likely becoming more challenging and perhaps even dangerous for your parent, and you might not have been able to meet all their needs on your own. The senior living community has more resources, and they can provide the social connection your parent needs to improve their well-being and happiness.

Know what you’re feeling is normal

Many children of older adults have felt like they were letting their parents down by not doing more to help them keep living at home. But encouraging your parent to move to a senior living community is an act of love that can empower them to live a more fulfilling life.

Atria is here to help

As a leader in the senior living industry, Atria is happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can – even if that means directing you to someone other than us. Our trusted partnerships with local real estate professionals and moving companies can offer significant savings and take much of the worry out of your planning.

Reach out to your local Atria community today to make your parent’s transition as positive and smooth as can be.