Moving to an assisted senior living community is a major life event. Along with the stressors and logistics of the move itself, emotional aspects come with transitioning out of a long-term home and sorting through its items and memories. While this change is a positive one, it doesn’t make it an easy one.

The Pavilion Senior Living understands the feelings and challenges that can come with moving to an assisted senior living community. With senior communities in Tennessee and West Virginia, we know that every family has its own journey, and we are here to support them every step of the way. To do this, our team is sharing three best practices and tips for easing the transition into an assisted senior living community.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Community

The most obvious best practice for easing the transition into assisted senior living is to select the right community. But what does “right” mean for you and your family?

If you are considering assisted living, it’s because you or someone you love can benefit from the supportive services and care. So you want to find a community that offers the level of support you want and need. However, beyond assistance with the activities of daily living, you will also want to consider services, such as:

• Housekeeping 
• Laundry 
• Dining options
• On-site amenities

The right assisted senior living community will also offer engaging amenities and activities that align with your or your loved one’s interests. It’s not just about support; you always want to maintain your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Tip 2: Don’t Rush the Packing Process 

Packing and downsizing can be a time-consuming and emotional process for you and your family. So another tip for easing the move into assisted senior living is to not rush this process. While everyone’s situation is different, and some families may need support sooner rather than later, giving yourself or your loved one ample time to pack can make the move easier.

Go room by room, take inventory, and be realistic about items. For example, when it comes to furniture, will it fit in the new space? When it comes to other items, are they necessary or sentimental, or are they just going to add clutter to a smaller space? 

To get an idea of what items to pack, download our free moving checklist! Make sure to add any personal or sentimental items to this list to make sure nothing gets left behind.

Tip 3: Be Patient with Emotions  

No matter how prepared or positive a person is for a move to assisted living, there may still be fears and concerns, and feelings like these are normal. However, talking through fears is a great way to overcome them. 

Be patient with yourself or someone you love; everyone has a different timeline for this transition, and that’s okay.

Tip 4: Encourage Community Involvement

One of the quickest ways to get acquainted with any new environment is to jump right into it. One final tip for easing the move into assisted senior living is to get involved in community events and activities.

Getting involved allows you or your loved one to meet fellow residents, take advantage of everything the community offers, and potentially build lasting connections and friendships.

The Pavilion Senior Living in Tennessee

At The Pavilion, our assisted living communities in Lebanon and Carthage, Tennessee, encourage resident participation in activities that build companionship and support overall wellness. These services focus on helping individuals lead active, fulfilling lives by reducing the risk of accidents or falls and fostering independence. By taking care of meals, housekeeping, and laundry services, we remove most of the burdens and stressors of living in a private residence and enable individuals to focus on what matters most to them. We believe in handling the ‘every day’ so residents can enjoy every day!

Our assisted living services include:

• Assistance with the activities of daily living
• Three delicious meals per day
• Housekeeping services
• Safety and security system
• Activities designed to promote overall wellness

Moving into an assisted senior living community is a big step, but you can ease the transition by following these tips. Our team at The Pavilion Senior Living is here to help guide you and your family through every step of the process. 

To learn more about our communities and services, please visit our website or contact a member of our team.