“My grandmother is thinking about moving to an assisted living community, but she is completely hesitant to make any change. I truly believe she is overwhelmed with the whole process. How can my family assist her and make this transition as easy as possib

Answer: Change is hard! At any age, admitting that we need help is difficult. For the elder generation, it can be even more difficult to give up independence and admit that some additional assistance would be beneficial. This generation has made their house a home, raised children or entertained their friends and family for years—yet this potential move could cause a great deal of mental stress.

It is important to create comfortable conversations during this process and make it as easy as possible for your grandmother. Here are a few tips that can assist with this transition.

Make Informed Decisions. Get an idea of the time frame for the move, organize the essentials, discuss opportunities with a realtor, and connect with a senior living advisor. Communicate with your entire family about the upcoming move, which will create a positive support system.

Visit the Community. I always suggest visiting at least three communities to get an idea of which community makes your loved one feel “at home.” You want to make sure it is the best fit for her lifestyle. Try not to overwhelm her. Plan each visit with ample time to for her to rest. Have a meal, check out the activities, and visit with the residents. It’s a wonderful technique to help “break the ice” and connect with the community.

Personalize the Space. When she moves into a new place— make it hers! On your scheduled visit to her potential apartment, can you help her visualize where her personal belongings will go? Help her paint the picture and see the potential of her new apartment.

Focus on the Positives. Think about the dramatic changes that are on the horizon. Your grandmother will have a social support group, be involved in a variety of activities, make new friends, and simplify her life. Your family will be more involved, which will generate optimism about this exciting transition.

If you would like to schedule a tour of our communities, please connect with either of our Village on the Park Bentonville or Rogers locations in Northwest Arkansas. I wish your family the best!