Leaving home and moving to an assisted living community is a drastic change for aging parents. Thus, it’s important to present it as a new adventure and as a solution to age-related challenges your parents may face. There are a number of ways to ease their transition. Stay involved and use the following tips to ensure they truly feel at home.

How to Make the Move to Assisted Living Easier for Your Parents

1. Personalize Their Apartment

Right away, you’ll want to make their assisted living community feel like home. Ask the facility about personalizing their unit. Paint the walls, if you’re allowed, and hang shelves and artwork. Let your parents arrange the furniture, choose locations for personal items, and add all the comforts of their original home. Gradually, the space will feel familiar, and they’ll enjoy having their favorite possessions around them.

2. Schedule Regular Visits

Parents don’t want to feel forgotten in their new home, so schedule plenty of visits in the beginning. Stop by on your days off or bring your family to enjoy meals in the dining hall once or twice a week. Keep up regular activities you had at their previous home, such as a family game night or watching a favorite sports team on TV. Keeping these routines alive will ensure the community feels like home.

3. Invite Them to Family Events

It’s equally important to keep your aging parents involved in family events. Invite them over for a weekly dinner and for holidays. Take them to your child’s sports game or school play, and send plenty of updates about what’s going on with the family. Advise your siblings and other family members to do the same. Your parents will feel special and will also have a valuable support system around them.

If you’re exploring assisted living communities for an aging parent in Hawaii, schedule a tour at Aiea Heights & Waialae Senior Living in Honolulu. This community offers 24/7 assistance in a stimulating, home-like environment. A licensed RN oversees members’ health needs, and community administrators ensure residents enjoy amenities like exercise classes, arts and crafts, and dining. Call (808) 726-1195 to speak with a team member, and visit their website to learn about their dementia care services.