Deciding whether to transition a loved one into assisted living can be difficult. There are so many things to go on about, like selecting the right facility and ensuring that your loved one is comfortable with the move. An added matter that frequently gets neglected is what happens once the loved one moves out of the family home. What will happen to the property? While 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 carefully evaluating your loved one’s needs and abilities. This includes considering their level of independence, their health and mobility needs, and whether they need special care or support. The better you realize your loved one’s individual needs and capabilities, the easier it will be to choose a facility that can suit their needs. If feasible, plan 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 unique, it’s important to be sensitive to your loved one’s needs and to give them the time they need. This may mean visiting regularly or giving them time alone. Whatever you decide, 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 is important to remember 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 may entail looking for a support group for family members of someone in senior living or connecting with a community of other Indianapolis 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. Numerous 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 assist smooth the transition while also providing a monthly income to support your loved one.
In times of transition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It may be a good idea to hire an Indianapolis 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 Faith 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 317-219-4363 today.
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