As we age, it is very common for seniors to start to need help with day-to-day tasks. When this becomes the case, you may want to seriously consider making the transition into an assisted living community. These specialized communities assist with daily tasks while still allowing residents to maintain independence.
Making the move to a Marietta assisted living community can feel overwhelming at first since there is so much you have to consider, but this picturesque North Atlanta town has much to offer and before long, you’ll be well on your way to the vibrant and active retirement of your dreams. In this blog post, we will be discussing the steps you can take to make this transition go smoothly and feel less stressful.
Take a Tour of the Community
Before you decide on an assisted living community in Marietta, you need to first do your research. You should have thoroughly researched your options and narrowed down the list until you found the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Once you have done this, the next thing you want to do is start taking tours of the communities.
Tours allow you to see the community with your own eyes to better gauge if it is a right fit for what you want. For instance, you may enjoy spending time outdoors, so you will want to find a community that has plenty of outdoor activities and garden areas.
You also want to take this time to examine the apartment you would be living in and how it is set up. If you decide to move into this community, it will be useful to have a mental picture of the type of space and how much room you will have.
Some older adults find it useful to visit the community with loved ones shortly before moving in to refresh your memory before they begin packing. This can help you avoid overpacking, as you will have a clear idea of the amount of space you have.
Minimize Your Belongings
One of the hardest parts of this transition is moving all your belongings to your apartment in the assisted living community. For many people, they may be downsizing from a home, which has held a lot more than your new apartment will.
Before you officially begin packing, it is better to start by getting rid of items you will no longer need. Involve your whole family in this process so that your belongings can be distributed to any loved ones who want them. Doing this will save you the hassle of moving your belongings to your new apartment only to later get rid of some of them.
It is also best to pack too little rather than too much since you can always bring more memorable items to your apartment later on. For instance, try to only pack minimal pieces of decor until you move in and have a feel for your new space. You can then have your family bring over additional pieces that won’t make your apartment feel cluttered.
Pack the Essentials
Aside from clearing out and organizing your belongings, you also need to know what necessities you need to bring with you. At an assisted living community in Marietta, GA, you will still need many of the same necessities you are already using. This includes items such as:
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Kitchen items
- Cleaning supplies
- Mobility devices
- Legal and financial paperwork
- Purse or wallet
You also need to prioritize going through your wardrobe and picking out all of the clothes you will need. Because assisted living communities provide different activities and fitness programs, you may also want to invest in additional pieces to fit your new lifestyle.
Make Time to Transition
It is easy to feel rushed when you are moving into an assisted living community, but you want to try to take your time. Plan ahead for this transition so you are completely prepared when your move-in date comes. It is also a good idea to work out a schedule with your loved ones so they can be available to help you move in.
Once you are in the community, you should avoid making any plans for at least a day or two. Take this time to unpack and get used to your new space without the pressure of having to meet a deadline or engage in any other activities. Make sure you ask for help if you have mobility issues or will need to move heavy items.
Start Socializing Right Away
After you have officially moved in and become acclimated to your new surroundings, you want to start engaging with others in the community. It’s tempting to isolate yourself, but getting out and about and making new friends is going to help you transition much more smoothly.
Take some time to go out and see who your neighbors are since these are the people you will most likely be seeing daily. You can also look into different programs and activities you may want to join right away.
An easy way to start socializing and engaging with others in the community is by dining with everyone or spending time in the social hotspots around the community.
Maintain Outside Connections
As you become familiar with the assisted living community and start to make friends, it can be easy to fill up your social calendar. However, it is important to continue to maintain your outside connections while also developing new ones.
For instance, if you have different routines with your friends and family, you want to try to continue to uphold these. You may go out to eat with your children or grandchildren every week or attend different activities with friends.
Transitioning Into Assisted Living
For many seniors, making the transition into an assisted living community in Marietta can be the best option for them. An assisted living community provides a safe and comfortable living space in the enjoyable setting of North Atlanta, GA, as well as amenities like dining, fitness programs, housekeeping, and transportation.
Although this process can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be if you plan ahead and know what steps to take during this transition. For information regarding moving into an assisted living community, check out The Complete Checklist For Moving to a Senior Living Community.
