If you have a loved one who needs to move into a senior living facility (such as Mayfair Village Retirement Community) in the near future, it is important to properly prepare him or her for the move. Many families do not realize how scary the move can be for their loved one. Do not make the mistake of simply moving your loved one into the facility without properly preparing them. The following guide walks you through a few tips for preparing your loved one for a move into a senior living facility.

Take Your Loved One to Tour the Facility

Before moving your loved one into a senior care facility, you need to be sure that he or she will be comfortable there. Take your loved one to the facility to do a tour of the grounds before making a final decision that they will stay there. This allows your loved one to be a part of the discussion-making process so that they get to choose if they want to stay at that particular facility or if they think that it is a place that is not the best fit for them. 

Determine What Your Loved One Needs to Be Comfortable

Once you and your loved one have chosen the right senior care facility for your loved one, discuss what things your loved one will need to make them feel most comfortable in their new environment. There will be limited space in the living area that is assigned to your loved one so you need to be sure that they choose items that are of the most importance to them.

Help Your Loved One Meet the Residents

When your loved one arrives at the facility, be sure to have dinner with them, walk around with them, and help them meet other people who live in the facility. Having friends that they can talk to can help your loved one better adapt to their new environment.

Visit Your Loved One Frequently

Many seniors are fearful that their family will leave them at the senior living facility and return very infrequently. You want them to know that they are loved and that you will see them on a regular basis. If possible, create a schedule for the days that you will come visit so that they have something to look forward to each week.

Making sure to take your time when moving your loved one into the senior living facility, can make the change easier for your loved one. Stay with your loved one as long as you can on the first night of their stay in the facility to ensure that they are as comfortable as they can be with their new home.