Elderly loved ones are an important part of many people’s lives, whether they be a mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or even an unrelated family friend.  In many situations, it seems like they have always been there to lend a helping hand, encourage us in times of need, or offer wisdom, all while being a shoulder to cry on as well.  As such, when it comes time to return the favor, we want to do whatever we can to help them while doing what is best for them at the same time.  As time passes, people grow older, and with older age, many people often become more reliant on others on a consistent basis.  With this in mind, you may have to eventually have the conversation about moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility.  This can often trigger a wide range of emotions for all parties involved.  At SMARTBOX, we want to do everything we can to help make this a peaceful and positive transition for everyone.  Below you will find some helpful advice and tips for when it comes time to move a loved one into a nursing home. 

Approach the Topic in a Positive, Caring Way- When it comes time to have this particular conversation, be sure to communicate in a positive and friendly way with your loved one.  Try to avoid being forceful or confrontational and assure your loved one that this is simply for their best interest above all else.  Over time, many people become very familiar with and attached to their surroundings.  Be sure to give them plenty of time to say goodbye to the space they have come to know and what may sometimes be a lifetime of memories in a location. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help- Taking into consideration the emotional and physical toll this time can have on a group, it is always a great idea to ask other family members and close friends for assistance with the transition if possible.  This will not only assist with the physical aspect of the move, but it could also offer positive emotional support as well.  The stronger the support system your elderly loved ones have around them during this time, the easier the move will be for everyone. 

Consider the New Space- Chances are that when your loved one moves into an assisted living facility, they are likely going to be downsizing as far as the amount of space is concerned.  With this in mind, it is important to remember not to take an excessive amount of things when a nursing home move is made.  Call your loved one’s new place of residence to see what they may provide as far as amenities are concerned.  Only taking the essentials may also help from a mental standpoint as well.  Too many items in their nursing home living quarters could lead to a feeling of stress for your loved one during this time.  Remember, maintaining a low level of stress and keeping the positivity up will make a world of difference.

Legal Documentation- Legal matters can be a key aspect to many situations in life.  This is often true in the case of senior citizens as well.  Before they make the move to a new home, it is important to remember to make sure all of their wishes and legal proceedings are properly documented and taken care of.  Make sure it is very clear how their Power of Attorney is set up.  Also, if there is anything that needs to be sold, this would be a good time to take care of that as well.  This can go a long way in helping your loved one cope with their new living arrangements in a positive manner.  If they know everything from an administrative and legal standpoint has been properly attended to, they should be able to breathe a little easier in their new space. 

With the amount of possessions in play during this time, keep in mind that storage can be of great assistance.  If there is something your loved one wishes to keep but not take to the nursing home, a storage unit can be of great value.  Your loved one’s belongings will remain safe and secure for as long as necessary, and if they need to be stored over an extended period of time, SMARTBOX offers long-term storage services designed for your convenience.  If you would like more information about our company and the services offered, feel free to contact one of our customer service representatives at 1-877-627-8269.