TIPS FOR EASING THE STRESS OF MOVING

​Is a loved one of yours getting ready for a move or has recently moved?

We have some helpful tips to make the most of this new venture.

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Moving is a BIG change no matter what your age or life stage you are in.  Classified as one of the top 5 major life stressors, we want to provide you with ideas that can help you be as supportive as possible to your loved ones and help them explore the great opportunities this change can bring.
Whether your loved one is moving into a senior living community or downsizing to a new neighborhood, there are many unique and fun ways to get excited for this change.  Helping them to stay connected with old friends or helping them to make new friends is a worthwhile investment that can provide great returns.  Below we will provide ideas for either transition.  It is important to prepare your loved ones as best you can for this move. Let's discuss how.

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Resident Ambassador

Senior Living Community-
Many Assisted Living Communities have "Resident Ambassadors". These are current residents who orient new residents to the community. This is a great way of making new friends and getting a better idea of what the community offers from the view of an actual resident. This should be one of the first things you set up in the first week of your loved one moving in. Ask the community first if this is something they offer and how you can set this up.
​Neighborhood Move-
If moving into a new neighborhood, help your loved one take the initiative by checking to see if they have a club house, community center or activity programs. Make the time to go with your loved one to check the programs out and if possible attend with them so they feel comfortable meeting new people. BE THE FRIEND - Encourage them to wave to their neighbors as they drive through the neighborhood. Take walks with them around the neighborhood and  greet all you pass by.

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” — C.S. Lewis"

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Activities Director Holds The Key

Senior Living Community-
​Get in contact with the Activities Director at the community. This individual is in charge of the events, exercise classes and overall community engagement. Start by making them aware of your loved ones hobbies and interests. They will be able to communicate with you some of their activities that they believe would be a good fit for them. With this information, you can either encourage your loved yourself to attend these activities and/or ask the Activity Director if they can work to encourage them. This will be a great way of starting their new move off on a good foot by giving them a taste of the communities offerings.
​Neighborhood Move-
You become the Activities Director - Help your loved one become familiar with their new location by helping them to re-establish their previous routines in their new local. Drive with them as they familiarize themselves with their local offerings - shopping centers, favorite new dining locals.  If they are in need of using alternative transportation options (Uber/Lyft, ACCESS bus/Dial-a-Ride) join them on a few trips so they can feel more comfortable going solo.
Senior Living Community-
Request of the Activity Director if they will set up a special private luncheon for your loved ones old friends. This is a great way for your loved to experience a sense of familiarity, comfort and support, through this BIG transition.  It may also be a great marketing event for the community - can't hurt to ask! 
​Neighborhood Move-
Help your loved one host their long time friends for a breakfast/lunch/dinner in their new setting or arrange to have them meet at a new local eatery.  

"Things are never quite as scary when you've got a friend."-Bill Watterson

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Community Outings

Senior Living Community-
​Ask about the community outings. How often do they occur? Are there a variety of outings? Due to the current world circumstances outings might be limited at this time but it is good to get the information for the future. These trips can be something for your loved one to look forward to and a way for them to connect with other residents. A change of scenery does wonders for the soul and going out as a community creates friendships.
Neighborhood Move-
Most Community/Senior centers host monthly outings to a variety of locations and events. You could also try to connect them in a neighborhood Meet-Up group online that involves their hobby or interest (knitting, fine dining, hiking, pickle-ball...). Service organizations organizations, clubs and volunteer opportunities can also become great vehicles for positive social interactions.

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Set a Routine in Place

TIPS

• If your loved one is tech savy - encourage them to set up their calender of events, appts and reminders on their phone/ tablet/ computer .  
• If need be, involve your family in creating a visitation schedule where the grandkids, kids, siblings sign up to visit on day a month and accompany them on an outing.
• Communities will usually have a calendar of events laid out for the month called a Newsletter. This makes it easy to know what events, outings, activities and meal options are to be expected. The community will usually have their Newsletter online or you can ask that a copy be sent to you so you can stay updated.
• Activities such as exercise classes, crafts and Bingo usually have set days and times. This makes it easy to start a routine AND keep it in place. If your loved one is independent, you can encourage them to make a schedule on a calendar of the activities they would like to attend. If your loved one is in Assisted Living or Memory Care you can make the Director of Care aware of what activities they like that way they can have their staff encourage or remind them at the time of the activity.

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We understand the uncertainties that come with moving and that is why we want to prepare you as best we can. We hope this information will ease the move and give some comfort in this Next Step.