Moving to senior living can be challenging at any time of the year, but for some older adults, the life change can be more difficult during the holidays. Inclement weather, family celebrations, and the hustle and bustle of the season can present obstacles for moving plans.
Fortunately, there are ways to make moving to a senior living community during the holidays easier. Read on for six tips to help lessen the stress and create a more positive experience for everyone.
6 ways to make moving to senior living easier during the holidays
#1: Be flexible
Remember that winters in Wisconsin can be tough to predict at times. One minute it can feel like Old Man Winter has eased up on flurries, and the next you may have several feet of snow in your way on moving day. To lessen weather worries, talk to the moving company ahead of time about backup plans for inclement weather.
Make sure the senior living community is also agreeable to move-in date changes. You can’t control the weather, so knowing there are concrete backup plans will help ease your mind that the move will still go as planned, but possibly on another day.
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#2: Accept help from others
Asking for help can be hard, but you will need a support team when moving. You may be surprised that your friends and family will happily accept an invitation to help pack, move boxes, or assist with other chores to make things easier for you and your loved one.
Consider hiring a senior move manager, too. The National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM) are experts in downsizing and moving seniors. Visit their website to find a certified move manager near you.
#3: Participate in your senior community’s holiday celebrations
The senior living community will likely have a variety of holiday activities, special events, and dinners planned. Encourage your loved one to attend something that interests them. They’ll likely meet some of their neighbors and enjoy celebrating the season with them.
Offer to join your loved one if they feel hesitant going on their own. The holiday festivities will likely boost everyone’s spirits and serve as a reminder of what’s most important during this time of year.
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#4: Continue your favorite holiday traditions
Even though things will likely look different this holiday season, set aside time to do the things that always bring your loved one joy. Do they always bake cookies with grandchildren? Plan to do this but try it in your new kitchen. Maybe they regularly attend a Christmas Eve service – they can still go and perhaps even bring a few new friends.
#5: Stay positive
Moves rarely happen without hiccups. Try to stay positive when things don’t go quite as planned. Remind your loved one that they’re about to embark on a new adventure, and the journey there will be worth any bumps along the way.
Surround your loved one with optimistic friends and family members who will help keep their chin up when times are tense. Ask your loved one to consider writing a list of everything they’re looking forward to after the move, and refer to the list when they need a friendly reminder of what lies ahead.
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#6: Keep your loved one involved in the moving process
Your loved one will likely feel more in control of the move if they’re involved in the process. Make sure to include your loved one in planning and decisions. Check in frequently to see how they are feeling about everything. Encourage openness and honesty so concerns can be addressed promptly.
In summary
Your loved one will likely feel anxious about moving, especially during the holidays. Remind them that you are there to support and love them – and make the move go as smoothly as possible. Help them maintain old holiday traditions and encourage them to start new ones.
Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living
Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your loved one’s future care.
Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.
Each Frontida community maintains a garden to incorporate seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables into our menus. We encourage healthy choices and well-balanced meals.
Learn how we care for our residents:
- Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
- Fully accessible, private bathrooms
- Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
- Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
- Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
- Access to a trusted network of physicians, nurses, podiatrists, and therapists
- Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
- 24-hour personal care and supervision
- Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
- Dedicated memory care communities
- Specialized mental health care communities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Individualized care plans
- Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
- Registered Nurse to oversee the health and wellness of each resident
We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us.
We understand that transitioning into assisted care can be an emotional, stressful and often confusing journey. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping families navigate the complex world of care. Download our free guide: “Just the Facts: A Guide to Assisted Living” to learn more.
