What Are 5 Important Things to Bring to Assisted Living

I think one of the most important things to bring into Assisted Living is an open mind and a positive attitude. There is an adjustment period when Seniors leave their home to move into an Assisted Living community and I think that an open mind and positive attitude will help with the adjustment period.

Imagine if you will, leaving your home of 30 to 40 years. Not an easy thing to do. If they keep an open mind about still having their independence yet the benefits of not having to do laundry or no more cooking or cleaning, with lots of activities this could present a positive move, versus a negative move.

The second important thing to bring into Assisted Living would be their own home furnishings. When Seniors can bring in their own furnishings and can make their new apartment their own, I think the transition will be easier on them if they can make their apartment home like. My own Mother lives in Assisted living and bringing in her own furnishings was very important to her. She felt at home in the first week of living in her new apartment.

Imagine my surprise to see that she adjusted so quickly by allowing her to bring their most personal stuff. The third important thing to bring into Assisted Living would be to allow the new resident to bring in their precious fur babies, weather it be a small cat or small dog.

If I was moving into an Assisted Living and couldn’t bring my fur baby that I have had for years, I wouldn’t want to move. I wouldn’t want to leave my pet behind, after all most people consider their pets family. If you had a pet for 5-10 years and you were not able to bring your pet to your new home, would you want to move into an Assisted Living Community. I would say the answer would be no. I think that bringing your pet would be very important to Seniors who are transitioning into Assisted Living.

The fourth important thing to bring to Assisted Living would be your dignity. Treating people with dignity implies treating them with courtesy and kindness, but it also means respecting their rights as individuals. Giving them the freedom of choice, and taking into consideration their wishes and decisions. A community where everyone shows each other dignity and respect usually has plenty of laughter. The “golden rule” treat others the way you want to be treated.

The 5th important thing to bring to Assisted Living would be your personal items, like pictures of your family to hang on your walls, your bath towels, shampoo, soap, you own bed sheets and blankets. If you have a hobby like painting or crocheting or knitting those items would be important for you to continue doing while adjusting to your new home. The more of what they would do at home would make a better transition.