5 Stress-Free Ways to Transition Into a Retirement Home
There is a new trend happening in Canada and it is called the Sandwich Generation. This is when adults are taking care of their aging parents and young children – and everyone lives under the same roof. This can be costly, stressful, and difficult to maintain.
So, what’s the solution?
For many families, the idea of a retirement home can alleviate the stress that comes with caring for aging and sick family members. This can be a hard transition for your parents or other relatives to make, but it is something that should be considered, especially if you’re already stretched far enough.
There may be some apprehension at first, but it will quickly morph into acceptance and gratitude.
Here are five tips to make the transition to a retirement home stress-free:
1. Collaborate with Your Family
You may want to do the decision-making all on your own, but this is the wrong course of action.
Since this is a family problem, and one that will impact your aging relatives the most, you want everyone to join in on the process, especially the ones who will be living in a retirement home.
From the day you make the decision to the time they transition to the retirement community, you want your parents and siblings to participate. A collaborative process makes everything easier.
Plus, if you allow your senior family member partake in the life-changing ordeal, then it will reduce the foul residue of resentment. They won’t feel like they’re being shipped to Constantinople in the middle of winter.
2. Select a Retirement Community in Your Area
A common mistake that many households make is that they don’t choose a retirement home in their area. They often select establishments are situated outside of city limits or are located in a rural area. Yes, it may be a bit cheaper, but it will certainly make them feel isolated.
Ultimately, the best thing to do is to pick a retirement community in your area, even if it costs a bit more. By doing this, you convey a message that the entire family will regularly visit them – grandchildren and all.
But it must be noted that you do need to visit them often, especially at the beginning.
3. Does the Residence Meet Their Needs?
Every retirement home is different and offers various services and amenities.
When you begin to look for a retirement living complex, this is one of the very first things you should ask your mother or father: what do you most want in a retirement home?
Once they provide you with a list, it is up to you, and your family, to find a suitable complex.
4. Tour, Eat & Meet the Staff
Selecting a retirement home isn’t like buying a tablet on Amazon. You can’t just find a retirement home, purchase a year’s worth, and then ship off your aging family members.
In addition to perusing the market, you need to visit first-hand the facilities. You should tour the establishment, eat the food (this is critical) at lunch or dinner, and meet the staff members (this is also essential because they’ll be the ones looking after your parents day and night).
If everything is satisfactory, and your aunt or uncle is pleased, then make the arrangements.
5. Set Aside Ample Time Before the Move
Here is what you shouldn’t do: leave everything to the last minute.
Remember, this is a major transition for your senior relatives. For decades, they have lived in the same home, raised children, made memories. All of a sudden, they are moving to a new home.
A move can’t be done in a day.
Here is what you should do instead: set aside ample time before the move.
By doing this, they can take their time sifting through boxes, going down memory lane, getting themselves accustomed to the idea of living in a retirement home, and reducing the stress.
Retirement homes have greatly evolved over the years. They are really modern, clean, and comfortable. They aren’t what they were 30 years ago.
What helps is the fact that there are staff who will do the cooking, sanitize the premises, and ensure patients are taking their medication. It can be great for elderly folk who are having difficult times taking care of themselves.
As long as you make this a collaborative process from the beginning, the transition can be easy.