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How Can I Prepare My Loved One for Independent Living?

Woman sits on couch with arm around her mother, trying to prepare her for independent living

Senior independent living is an enticing option for many older adults who reach retirement age. That’s true because it reduces day-to-day responsibilities while providing ample opportunity for activity and recreation. As a rule, loved ones who enter independent living are vibrant and able to take care of themselves. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t need help preparing for their move to their new home. You can do several things to support them as they make their preparations. Call Parkway Place at 281.305.1846 to learn more about ways to prepare for such a life transition.

Preparing for Senior Independent Living: Visit the Community Before Moving Day

The odds are high that your loved one will be excited about joining a senior community. Even so, they may be anxious and unsettled by their upcoming change in circumstances. And you may be anxious about them. To put both you and your loved one at ease, try to visit their new home with them before they move. This kind of pre-moving day visit can:

  • Let your loved one know that you’ll still be involved in their life
  • Give you and your loved one a chance to go over any potential concerns
  • Help you get familiar with your loved one’s new community

All of these things can help make the next steps in the moving process go smoother.

How to Prepare Your Loved One for Independent Living: Planning the Move

Your loved one may be overwhelmed by the logistics of moving to independent living. That can be especially true if they have a lot of property and need extensive downsizing. And the closer they get to moving day, the harder it may be to focus and make wise decisions.

One way to avoid a stress overload is to help your loved one plan the upcoming move well in advance. You can do several things to support an effective planning process. For example, you may want to start by setting priorities for what needs to be done and when. You can then create a checklist that outlines these priorities.

As you complete items on your checklist, you can review your overall progress. You can also make any necessary adjustments to your plans. By taking these kinds of actions, you help simplify the process of preparing for senior independent living.

Transitioning Over to Independent Living Services

One of the big perks of moving into independent living is the wide array of available services. In a high-quality community, amenities may include:

  • Paid utilities
  • Housekeeping
  • Onsite dining
  • Home maintenance
  • 24/7 security monitoring
  • Recreational and educational programs
  • Planned outings
  • Fitness facilities

Your loved one may require help transitioning over to these kinds of independent living services. This help can take a variety of forms. For instance, your loved one may need to sell their current property. In addition, they may need to make arrangements for managing the property they intend to keep.

Your loved one may also need help preparing for their new daily routine. That’s true, in part, because they might not be used to having so many tasks taken care of for them. What’s more, they may be unaccustomed to having so much free time.

Find Out More About Preparing for Senior Independent Living at Parkway Place

Have more questions about how to prepare your loved one for independent living? Consult the knowledgeable staff at Parkway Place. We’ll help you develop strategies that work best for your specific situation.

Parkway Place features a robust senior independent living community. Every day, we help newcomers adjust to their surroundings and make themselves feel at home. We’re also committed to supporting your loved one’s ongoing health and welfare. For more information on independent living at Parkway Place, just call us today at 281.305.1846. You can also contact us through our brief online form.