Deciding whether to transition a loved one into assisted living can be tough. A lot to think about, such as picking the right facility and ensuring that your loved one is comfortable with the move. An additional question that often gets overlooked is what happens once the loved one moves out of the family home. What will happen to the property? Although there are few easy decisions, it can help to learn a few strategies for managing your loved one’s successful transition into assisted living.
Evaluate your loved one’s needs and abilities
The first step in making this transition as smooth as possible is thoroughly evaluating your loved one’s needs and abilities. This comprises considering their level of independence, their health and mobility needs, and whether they need special care or support. The better you understand your loved one’s individual needs and capabilities, the easier it will be to choose a facility that can meet their needs. If it is feasible, arrange to tour different facilities together before making a final decision. This can help your loved one feel more in control of the process and their own life choices.
Move your loved one in
Once you have chosen a facility that meets your loved one’s needs, it can be tempting to want to get them settled in as quickly as possible. However, it is important to take your time and help your loved one transition into their new home in a gradual and supportive manner. Moving often means downsizing, as well, and leaving behind many personal belongings. But that doesn’t mean your loved one must leave behind all the comforts of home. Plan to bring anything that will fit into your loved one’s new apartment, especially any items that are important or have meaning to your loved one. For example, you may want to bring along their favorite furniture, photos of family and friends, or cherished mementos. These personal touches can help them feel more at home in their new space and can help them build a sense of stability during this significant life change.
Help your loved one adjust to their new home
After your loved one has moved into their new home, it is vital to help them adjust and settle in. It’s best to introduce only a few new things during or after the move – try to keep things as familiar and comfortable as you can. Your loved one will already be making major adjustments to their new surroundings, routines, and people, which can take time. Senior living experts say that it can take an average of three to six months for someone to adjust to a new assisted living facility. While every person is different, it’s important to be sensitive to your loved one’s needs and to give them the time they need. This may mean visiting frequently or giving them time alone. Whatever you do, be patient, respectful, and supportive as they make this big life change.
Enlist support – for you and your loved one
Adjusting to a new lifestyle in assisted living can be tough for everyone involved. And it’s important to note that your loved one isn’t the only one going through a transition. Whether it’s your feelings about their move or the new demands that come with caring for an off-site family member, it can be hard to balance the needs of your own life and the changes that are happening. For this reason, it is important to seek support from friends, family, and your loved one’s new assisted living community. This can involve seeking out a support group for family members of someone in senior living or connecting with a community of other Marietta rental property owners who are also experiencing the same kind of change. Whatever form it takes, find a way to cope with the emotional and logistical challenges that come with this big transition. And remember, even if it is hard for you, it is equally important to be sensitive and supportive of your loved one’s needs.
Manage the family home
For many families, the family home becomes a bone of contention after an elderly family member moves into assisted living. Different family members may have ideas about what is to be done with the property. While there are many options to choose from, you should consider renting the home out. While it can be hard to imagine someone new living in your loved one’s home, renting the property will allow you and your loved one time to adjust to assisted living without making anything final. This can help ease the transition and provide a monthly income for your loved one’s support.
In times of transition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It may be a good idea to hire a Marietta rental property management company to manage the rental property at this difficult time. These property managers will help you market and advertise the rental, screen potential tenants, handle rental payments and maintenance, and provide you with rental reports. With the help of a rental property management company, you can focus on supporting your loved one as they adjust to their new home in assisted living.
Reach out to Real Property Management Piedmont for quality property management services near you. We are here to help you navigate the rental property process so that you can focus on your loved one. Contact us online or call us at 404-480-4820 today.
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