Approximately 52% of seniors will need some type of services provided by long term care facilities during their lifetimes. And while you may not be looking forward to the time when that becomes true for you or for a loved one, early preparation can make all the difference.
Moving to a new home can be stressful under the best of circumstances. But when it comes time for you or someone you love to move into a long term care facility in St Louis or the surrounding area, moving can be an even greater challenge. Whether you want to minimize the anxiety associated with packing and downsizing or you’re concerned about the emotional impact of leaving a familiar place behind, you or your family member will benefit from planning ahead. After deciding on the best answer to your “long term care facility near me” internet inquiry, here are some tips that will make this transition a bit easier.
Moving Into Long Term Care Facility Near Me: How to Prepare
- Become Acquainted With the Community: If you’re planning to move into a long term care facility or you feel it’s time to start thinking ahead for a loved one, you can ease anxiety by visiting the facility at least a few times before taking this big step. This can allow you to get to know the staff, familiarize yourself with the rooms and amenities, and feel a bit more comfortable with adjusting to this new way of life. When evaluating potential options for long term care, be sure to ask about their visitation policies. Being able to feel more comfortable at a facility prior to moving can alleviate a lot of those negative feelings before you actually move in.
- Move in Stages When Possible: Moving Day will always be filled with unexpected surprises and high levels of stress. But if you’re able to move in stages, rather than in one fell swoop, you may be able to mitigate some of that anxiety. Getting everything organized for a move can take a considerable amount of time, especially if you or your loved one has stayed in a former home for decades. If you can, tackle the necessities first and bring those over to the new facility. Then, sort through the other belongings to see what can be given away to family members, donated, sold, or thrown out. This will ensure you or your loved one will have all of the must-haves right away and relieve some pressure to get it all done in record time.
- Prioritize Relaxation and Enjoyment: The actual move might not be all that entertaining, but you can take this opportunity to create some fond memories during the transition. For example, you might hire movers or ask friends and family to help move belongings into the new space; this will allow you or your loved one to take it easy on the day of the move. Plan something, like a lunch date or a short shopping trip, to do during the move itself to take your mind off your worries on the day of the move. If you or your loved one insists on being involved in the move itself, make sure to take breaks. Having to move somewhere new can be overwhelming, so you’ll want to do everything you can to stay calm and positive.
What to Do After Finding a Long Term Care Facility Near Me
Before you ever plan out a move, you’ll need to decide on the right type of care facility. Every individual will have slightly different needs and preferences, but conducting a Google search for “long term care facility near me” can be a good place to start. Of course, you’ll want to consider more than the location when making this decision. You’ll also need to factor in costs, services, amenities, safety, and more. This process is incredibly personal, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to avoid feeling rushed.
Once you make your decision, you can start planning for a move. And if you determine that ours is the right facility for you, we’ll be here to help during the process. For more information, please contact us today.
