What to Expect When Moving to Senior Housing

Making the decision to move to senior living is a big one.  Here are a few things seniors should expect the first week or two when moving into an assisted living facility.

Signing Contract

On or prior to the move in day you will sign a contract with the senior living facility.  You can and should ask for this in advance. It gives you and your family an opportunity to read through before signing it.  The assisted living staff should give you a copy once everyone has signed.

RN Assessment-Plan of Care

If you are receiving health care services like help with a shower, medications, or other activities of daily living you will meet with one of the nurses at the facility.  They will assess your needs and then create an individual plan of care.  You will sign the individual plan of care outlining the services, who will provide them and what they will cost.

Meet The Staff

Expect to be greeted by senior living staff.  Along with the executive director and director of nursing most facilities have marketing, activity, maintenance, and culinary managers.  Each leader plays a part in creating a sense of community.

Know How to Ask for Help

Assisted living staff should communicate to you how you can call for help should you need it.  Sometimes this is through an emergency pendant you wear and other times it is a phone number you can call to reach senior living staff.

For families moving a loved one into memory care you will still sign a lease and a plan of care.  You may request to talk with other leaders on the team about your seniors’ specific needs and requests. Some facilities have a manager who oversees dementia care.  It is important to know who oversees the assisted living and where you can direct questions.

Become Familiar With The Building

The first 14 days will go quickly especially when you are unpacking and setting up your new space.  Take a few minutes to walk the community and become familiar with the different spaces in the senior living.  The more you become acquainted to your new place the sooner it will feel like home.