Are you starting the decision-making process about assisted living?
Both seniors and families should be happy to know that assisted living promotes longevity and positive health outcomes in residents. These findings are the latest results from a University of Chicago study. Data also shows that residents consistently receive more home health care in assisted living communities.
Having this peace of mind is a valuable part of the transition process. Moving to an assisted living community in Biloxi is both a physical and emotional journey.
Discover more moving tips for seniors during this important time.
Discuss Needs and Preferences
Understanding that it’s time to move is a milestone in the decision-making process. The next step should be an in-depth discussion about the needs and preferences of the prospective resident.
What are you looking for in an assisted living community?
Common discussions include:
- Independence
- Social activities
- Medication management
- Living accommodations
- Mobility accommodations
- Safety upgrades
- Apartment features
- Costs
- Dining and meal plans
Maintaining independence is one of the most pressing concerns for seniors, especially active seniors experiencing early signs of cognitive and mobility issues. SummerHouse Bay Cove is designed to prevent decline (and boost cognitive function) through custom life plans.
For example, a custom schedule may include:
- Weekly arts and crafts
- Daily walks
- Custom meal plans
- medication management
- Scheduled outings to museums
- Shopping trips
- Music therapy
Seniors who struggle with completing daily chores will benefit from the community’s complimentary housekeeping and laundry services. There are even services to help with personal grooming.
A great assisted living community promotes independence and integrity in seniors at any stage of their lives.
Prioritize Safety In Your Decision
Next, consider all safety concerns in your decision.
The average senior who moves into a Biloxi retirement community typically lived in their previous home for many years. Switching to assisted living often means downsizing from your previous residence; this switch can feel unsettling at first.
It’s so important to tour an assisted living community before committing. For example, SummerHouse Bay Cove will provide a complete tour of all assisted living amenities.
Visitors learn more about:
- Senior apartment layouts
- Recreation areas
- Dining halls
- Kitchenettes (with fridges provided)
- Senior bathrooms
- Bedroom accommodations
- Safety lighting
- Outdoor landscaping
Visitors can meet the community’s staff including program directors. A tour is the perfect time to ask important questions about medication management and transportation services. You can also learn about the community’s event calendar or even sit in on events; socialization is vital for positive outcomes.
Tour an apartment layout to ensure it’s equipped with the safety and accessibility features seniors need. Learn more about senior personal care and housekeeping services to assist with daily tasks.
Ask about the community’s transportation service. At SummerHouse Bay Cove, transportation is provided to ensure residents arrive at doctors’ appointments safely and on time.
Discuss Assisted Living Costs
Don’t hesitate to bring up costs during your tour. Cost is such an important point to consider.
If you or your loved one is a military veteran, ask out the community’s military veterans program.
Eligible applicants may receive a $1,000 rent discount off the second month of the year. Plus, all eligible new residents enjoy a 50% discount on their first month’s rent.
A Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Community In Biloxi
A recent Harvard study found that owning a pet can help prevent cognitive decline in seniors, especially seniors who live alone. Pets are valuable in mitigating issues with isolation; pets also bring fellow pet owners together.
Fortunately, you can bring your pet to an assisted living community like Summerhouse Bay Cove. Owning a pet in a senior community also promotes independence and purpose in residents.
Create a Moving Day Checklist
Once you’ve chosen your new community and apartment, the next phase is moving. There are a lot of logistics to consider.
Checklist items include:
- Taking stock of necessities
- Downsizing
- Donating (or selling) items you don’t need
- Packing up belongings
- Renting a storage unit
- Hiring movers
Enlist a family member (or the entire family) to help streamline the process. You may need to hold a garage sale or donate items to a local Goodwill or charity. There are also junk removal services that will take items you can’t donate or sell.
Safely pack up belongings in moving boxes. You can use any you have on hand or order them online. Large plastic containers with lids and handles are convenient since seniors can use them for extra storage, too; SummerHouse Bay Cove apartments also have plenty of storage.
Moving companies also have packing services at an additional charge which cuts a bulk of the time.
A storage unit is helpful during the moving process. You can store larger items you may not need in a new senior apartment. Storage units are ideal for furniture like sofas and dressers.
Moving Day
Having family members on hand makes the moving day much easier. Moving is a strenuous, emotional process but family can help seniors settle in quickly.
It’s also a good time to establish a communication routine once settled in. A community staff member can help set up video chat apps to stay in touch with family and friends. Frequent phone calls are also encouraged.
Family members may also visit loved ones whenever they please. It also provides much-needed peace of mind knowing their relatives are okay and thriving.
Tie up any loose ends on a moving day. It’s a good time for family members to ask questions about medication management and general wellness. Take a look at the activities calendar to plan the week’s schedule together; managers can also customize lifestyle schedules to help loved ones thrive.
Start Your Next Chapter
After assessing all assisted living benefits, square away any moving logistics to ensure a smooth transition to an assisted living community in Biloxi. Get a head start by learning about the potential of senior living, from lifestyle programs to cozy suites.
The staff at SummerHouse Bay Cove is experienced in all aspects of senior life. Meet our team to learn about our compassionate approach to senior care, including memory care. Check out our testimonials to discover what our happy residents have to say.
Book your tour to experience our vibrant community.
