How to Make the Transition to Assisted Living Easier

Today, many seniors are proactively moving to senior living communities to enjoy their many benefits. For others who choose to age in place in their family homes, there may come a time when assisted living services become a necessity. 

Senior assisted living is an excellent option for older adults who do not require 24/7 care but can benefit from skilled support with the various tasks of daily living. Still, the assisted living transition can upset seniors and their families. 

At Buckner Villas, we understand the emotions and challenges surrounding a move to senior assisted living and offer expert guidance and support to ease the transition. Call 512.580.9882 to speak with an intake specialist and learn more about our programs, including assisted living. 

What to Know About Moving into Assisted Living

For many seniors and their families, the first question about assisted living is how to know if or when the time is right. The answer is that there is no specific timeframe because the aging process is different for everyone. 

However, some general signs can signal that moving into assisted living is warranted, such as:

• Declining physical health that impacts the ability to manage activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating
• Memory issues that affect the ability to safely manage everyday life independently
• Safety concerns, including forgetting to turn off appliances or frequent accidents and falls
• Struggling to manage medications
• Nutritional issues, such as weight loss or struggling with meal preparation
• Declining mobility, including getting in and out of bed or chairs
• Decreased ability to keep up with household chores and home maintenance
• Wandering or getting lost
• Frequent hospitalizations 
• Noticeable decline in emotional well-being, including anxiety or depression

Often, seniors rely heavily on family members to assist with personal care, transportation, household upkeep, and more, which can lead to caregiver burnout. Additionally, seniors may resist assistance from family members or home healthcare aides. Both circumstances are further signs of the need to move into assisted living. 

Tips for Easing the Assisted Living Transition

One of the best tips for easing the transition while moving into assisted living is opening the conversation and researching assisted living facilities as early as possible. The value of not waiting until a crisis occurs and having a plan in place is immeasurable. 

Other ways of easing the transition to assisted living include:

• Ensuring that the senior is involved in the decision-making process as much as possible
• Visiting multiple facilities to find the one best suited to the individual’s and family’s needs
• Consulting with healthcare professionals and social workers who can help navigate the process
• Addressing legal and financial matters
• Downsizing and decluttering with input from the senior about what to keep, sell, or donate
• Decorating and personalizing the new living space with familiar and beloved possessions
• Encouraging engagement in assisted living activities
• Providing emotional support
• Staying involved through consistent visits and phone calls
• Keeping up-to-date with the care and services provided and communicating with staff

Each senior’s transition to assisted living is unique; what is best will vary between individuals. Providing emotional support for your loved one and taking care of your needs is essential. Further, the more involved a senior can be in the process, the easier the transition will be. 

Learn More About Assisted Living Services by Calling Buckner Villas

Most people find change difficult, and transitioning to senior assisted living is a significant life change. The compassionate, highly skilled staff at Buckner Villas is committed to making each resident feel welcomed and at home. We invite friends and family to participate in the lives of their loved ones actively and support them to ease the transition as well. 

Contact us online or call 512.580.9882 to schedule a tour and learn more about senior assisted living in Austin, TX