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Settling in at Silver Birch Assisted Senior Living Communities

Settling in Smoothly

Tips for transitioning to your new assisted living apartment.

Like anything new, transitioning to an assisted living facility can be an adjustment. Here are some tips to make settling in smooth and successful.

Say farewell to your current home.

Before you start making memories in your new home, it’s important to give the old one a proper goodbye. Prior to your move, spend some time honoring your current dwelling in your favorite way. That might mean sitting in your favorite chair, enjoying the garden, or having dinner with friends and family. Getting closure can help open your heart to the next chapter ahead.

Depending on where you live now, moving to assisted living might mean that you are downsizing. Now is a great time to start deciding what items you would like to bring to your new home! Involving your family in this decision process can be beneficial!

Here are some ideas for what to do with the items you are not bringing:

  • Share the items with your family
  • Host a garage sale with your family, they probably have stuff they’ve been hoping to sell too.
  • Donate the items to your local thrift store, many of them do free local pickups.

Keep an open mind.

According to the Elder Care Alliance, change can stir many emotions. Be open to all your feelings—good and bad. Know that fear is natural but that it’s temporary. If you find anxiety about the move overwhelming, make a list of all the positive aspects of this change: A lock-and-leave lifestyle, new friends, and interesting activities to explore, a helping hand when you need it. Focus on what you’re gaining, not what you’re losing.

Establish a sense of familiarity.

Bring a healthy mix of old and new items to your new home. That way, you’re balancing the security of what you know with the potential for what you have yet to discover. Also, start getting to know staff, residents, and the surrounding community as soon as possible. The more familiar you become, the sooner at home you’ll feel.

Here is a helpful list of what items we think work best in the space provided:

One Bedroom Apartment

  • Bedroom: Queen or Full Size Bed, Nightstand, and Dresser
  • Living/Dining:  Love Seat, Small Chair, Small Storage Ottoman, Coffee Table or End Table, TV Stand, Bistro Table or Folding Dining Trays

Studio Apartment

  • Sleeping Area: Queen or Full Size Bed, Nightstand
  • Living/Dining: Love Seat or Two Small Chairs, Small Storage Ottoman, End Table, TV Stand, Folding Dining Trays

 

If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by filling out our contact form or by giving us a call at 312-846-1607!