With the increase in life expectancy and general wellness of older adults, more people are choosing to live in assisted living facilities. Assisted living is a growing trend whether they want to remain independent but have difficulty with day-to-day tasks or simply because they want to live with like-minded peers.
While most assisted living facilities provide their residents with everything they need, there are some things you might want to bring with you when you move into your new home.
We know that transitioning can be difficult, especially when leaving your home behind. However, with good preparation beforehand, assisted living can greatly benefit those who struggle with day-to-day tasks.
This blog post will give tips on what to bring when moving into assisted living in Florida.
Personal Items
Whether you’re packing for a dorm room or a retirement facility at Sunscape Daytona Beach, keeping a list of your essentials is a good idea. This is especially true for items that don’t require electricity or maintenance.
If you’re bringing any special memorabilia and heirlooms, ensure they’re in a secure location like a box or special bag. You might also want to find a climate-controlled storage unit for objects that might be damaged by extreme weather conditions, like wedding gowns or baseball mitts.
You might also want to pack extra items like clothes, toiletries, and other items. Facilities that accept short- or long-term residents might require you to provide these items yourself, so make sure to bring whatever you need.
Comfort Items
For many seniors, their home is where they feel most comfortable and relaxed. This is especially true for individuals with strong family ties or long-term tenants who have built a routine around their daily lives. This can make moving into assisted living in Florida a stressful transition.
So, if you’re looking for a more relaxed environment, you’ll need to bring the right items to create one. It could be a set of books, a blanket, a photo album, board games, etc.
Mobility Aids
If you’re living in an assisted living facility, you’re likely experiencing some level of decreased mobility. This could be due to a physical disability, such as arthritis or a broken leg, or it could be caused by cognitive impairment, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
In any case, you might want to bring some additional mobility aids to your new home. For example, if you have a wheelchair or crutches that you’d like to keep with you, you’ll want to find a home with a floor plan that’s accessible using mobility aids.
Medication Supplies
All assisted living facilities have policies to store and distribute medications to their residents. Unfortunately, this system might not work well for some patients or might not include the medications you need.
If you have a specific medication schedule, it’s a good idea to bring your medication and the individual doses or supplies (if necessary). Critical supplies like oxygen tanks or glucose monitors should always be kept with you.
A Phone and Electronic Device
One of the most important items you can bring to an assisted living facility is your phone or computer. This will allow your loved one to stay connected with friends and family.
Many assisted living facilities offer their residents Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. Staying connected makes it easy to stay connected with loved ones and stay informed about current events and breaking stories.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to moving into an assisted living facility, it’s important to keep in mind that each one is different. Some facilities will provide you with everything you need; others will ask you to bring your supplies.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to pack a few extra items to make your transition a lot easier.
