how to decide on nursing homes or assisted living facilities

Moving your loved one from home to an assisted living facility is a big change, and it is a change that will take some time for everyone to get used to. In many cases, senior citizens feel as if the change was not one that they got to choose; instead, it was a change that was forced upon them. As a result, things are even more difficult for you. However, there are things that you can do to help make the overall transition a bit smoother for your loved one.

1. Choose an Assisted Living Facility That Suits Your Loved One

The main thing that you can do is ensure that you choose a facility that is a good fit for your loved one. If you fail to do this from the get-go, your loved one is going to be miserable as soon as he or she moves in. In fact, your loved one's unhappiness may never leave, which means that he or she may never feel comfortable.

As you look for an assisted living facility, do your research. Read reviews so that you are familiar with what other residents say about the home. Look for a facility that has amenities that your loved one will be interested in. When you have narrowed it down to a few, go take a tour so that you can see how the facility operates in person.

2. Make Their Room "Theirs"

It is important that your loved one has a room that feels like their own. If they live in a generic room, then it is going to be hard for him or her to adjust to his or her new living quarters. Bring some wall art, decorations, and framed photographs of family members from home. You can even bring sheets, pillows, and curtains from home to help transform the room into something comfortable and familiar.

3. Ensure They Maintain Some of Their Independence

Up until this move, your loved one has maintained his or her independence. Your loved one will not want to lose that, and in a number of cases, there is no reason that he or she has to lose all of it. Generally, people move to assisted living facilities because they just need a little bit of extra help.

If your loved one is still able to drive safely, then bring his or her car to the facility and allow them to do so. Otherwise, work on alternative methods of transportation so your loved one can leave the facility every once in a while. If your loved one enjoys baking or cooking, then talk to the facility about him or her being able to gain access to the kitchen at some point in time.

Contact a company like Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living for more information and assistance.