What to Expect Before, During, and After a Move to Assisted Living

If you or a loved one plans to move to an assisted living community, congratulations! This move will be a wonderful event in your life. 

It can be intimidating to navigate the moving process to senior living communities. Moving into assisted living is slightly different from moving to a regular house or apartment. 

Here’s what you can expect throughout the moving process — before, during, and after. 

Before the Move

Before you move into assisted living, you and your loved ones should start planning accordingly. 

Store, Give Away, or Sell Extra Belongings

You should expect to downsize your possessions. Most people cannot take everything they own into senior living with them. 

This doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them. If you don’t feel comfortable hosting a sale, you can always get a storage unit. All of your belongings will remain safe and secure there while you decide what to do with them. 

Maybe your children or grandchildren want some of your items. Don’t be afraid to pass on your belongings to those you love the most!

Make a Packing List

Making a packing list is one of the most important steps in moving to an assisted living community. There are many items you might easily overlook if you don’t have a list handy as you pack. 

Make Plans for Loved Ones to Visit 

In-person visits are the best option for connecting with your loved ones after you move. You might feel better if you know the exact days and times they plan to visit for the first few weeks after you move. If in-person visits are not possible, schedule a time to video chat or talk on the phone. 

During the Move

Ask for some extra hands during the moving process. This will be especially helpful if you have limited mobility or other health complications that make moving more difficult. 

The assisted living community you are moving to likely has support in place for new residents. Ask about their moving assistance options and take advantage of any extra help you can get. 

Try not to stress about the moving process too much. You have a supportive community right at your fingertips, and most of them are happy to help you with anything you need. 

After the Move

Now that you’ve settled into your senior living community, it’s time to relax and enjoy it! Get to know the amenities, residents, and helpful staff members who are now a part of your daily life. 
Make sure you keep in touch with your loved ones as much as possible. This will prevent you from feeling lonely or forgotten. 

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to the appropriate staff members to get them resolved. You are not alone. 

Make the Most of Your Move

Moving into assisted living can be exciting and rejuvenating. Make the most of this new season of your life as you explore the people and places around you!

Would Mom or Dad be Better Off in Assisted Living?

When asked, many seniors say they would prefer to age in place in their own homes, but at some point, a family may have to consider if there isn’t a better, safer option for them. Assisted living communities are designed for people who are largely independent but require some daily care. They offer residents many benefits such as peace of mind knowing help is there whenever they need it, access to licensed nurses, medication management and transportation to doctor’s appointments. 

The range of activities is typically broad with something to appeal to everyone. Whether you are a movie buff who loves classic films, a trivia expert or a budding artist who would love the chance to explore their creative side, assisted living makes it easy to stay involved. Many communities also have fitness centers and exercise classes tailored to seniors as well as large outdoor areas perfect for taking a stroll or sitting out on the patio with friends. 

Safety and security is a big deal to seniors and living in an assisted community give you both. Communities are designed to meet the needs of residents dealing with mobility issues, and offer ramps, flat thresholds, wide corridors and hallway hand railings. Handicap accessible bathrooms are another bonus of assisted living. 

Studies show seniors who are isolated and lack socialization are at risk for dementia, and community living offers a vibrant lifestyle without much effort. Other perks include healthy, balanced meals seniors no longer need to cook. 

Remember your parents have worked hard all their lives to provide for others and it is time to think about their happiness and well-being. At MorningStar at Observatory Park, we offer seniors the finest assisted living to allow them to live life to the fullest. Along with 60 private, assisted living suites, we offer an array of luxury amenities, hospitality and care services, and wellness programs and activities. Located in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver, the area is home to mature trees, lovely gardens, eclectic eateries, local coffee shops and a brewery. Additionally we are close to two major hospitals, Porter Adventist Hospital and the Swedish Medical Center.

For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, our 2nd floor Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, compassionate care for our most tender residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our new community, and contact us to ask about availability and pricing.