Navigating the Move to Assisted Living Together: A Couple’s Guide
Moving into assisted living together can lead couples to live longer and more robust lives. Choosing an assisted living community in Arizona guarantees sunnier skies and warmer days. At BridgeWater Assisted Living, we welcome couples seeking a vibrant lifestyle. We know it can be difficult to move later in life, and we have a lot of experience with couples moving into our neighborhood.
Since we have so much expertise in this arena, we’ve compiled this guide for couples navigating the move to assisted living together:
Assess Your Needs and Your Abilities
It starts with an honest conversation. Psychology Today suggests that you begin the moving process by agreeing that even though moving might be stressful, you’ll make an extra effort to be kind to each other. Establishing kindness will help you both navigate a difficult situation and give each other some grace.
Start by honestly assessing what you and your spouse are physically capable of doing. Can you physically pack boxes? If you can pack a box, how many can you do in a day without exhausting yourself?
It doesn’t matter how much you are capable of doing. What’s more important is getting the help you need to move. Moving takes a significant toll on anyone, even if the move goes smoothly, so figuring out where and when you need help is vital to a successful move.
Talk to family members and friends about your plans. Mention this to your friends at church and social clubs. Your social network will give you information, like who the good movers are in the area, what places take your donatable items, and lots of support.
Be a Tourist in Your New Neighborhood
Studies have found that couples who share an exciting experience have more attraction and affection toward one another. Trying new restaurants, visiting the parks, or seeing the sites in your new community can help both of you feel more comfortable and familiar with your new home.
Start with the closest visitors center, local library, or senior center. They should have information, flyers, and brochures of local attractions and events that are happening nearby. Visiting this information center is also a great way to connect with people who work in the neighborhood.
Choosing assisted living in Arizona means sunlight, fresh air, and natural beauty are just outside your doorstep. Explore nearby parks and find out if recreational facilities offer classes or outdoor activities. Spend some time exploring the neighborhood shops, taking an excellent opportunity to have a date with your spouse while finding the new places you’ll get to enjoy.
The Master Move Plan
Using a calendar, break down the tasks you need to complete by week. Moving week should be set aside for the final tasks you’ll need to do. While packing should be done every week, there are steps to take each week to help you prepare for your move.
One of the first things you should do is contact moving companies to get quotes. Most will need to see what you want moved. They are also helpful in helping you determine what you should pack, what they should pack, and what you might not want to move at all.
Downsizing is emotional, but it can be joyful. Letting go of things that you no longer need can be a blessing. At Bridgewater Assisted Living, we post our floor plans online so you can see the space you have for your belongings. Consider which art, pictures, and pieces of furniture are important to you. Putting sticky notes on things you want gives you a visual of what might go well in your home and what might need to go.
Make sure to check in with each other during this time. Some furnishings might be important to your partner but not to you. Working together to decide is important, but give yourself and your spouse time to determine what you want to take to your new home.
Friends and family might want items that you no longer need. Kids going to college might need some furnishings. The china set might need to get handed down to the next family member. Local non-profit and religious organizations take housewares, clothing, and other items. Professional estate sellers will also sell your valuable items for you, taking a percentage of the sale.
Items like old tax returns and other financial documents you don’t need should be shredded. The IRS has a handy guide on how long to keep your tax returns. If you have old magazines, see if some non-profits or libraries would like them.
In the final weeks, notify utility companies, banking, doctors, and the post office of your move. Set up mail forwarding and change of address with the USPS, and transfer your prescriptions to your new neighborhood pharmacy. It’s also the time to get rid of the things you couldn’t sell or donate.
The last things to pack should be your daily medications, toiletries, and a couple of days’ worth of clothing. If you keep those items with you, you don’t have to worry about unpacking everything immediately.
Making Your New Home Into a Home
Once everything has arrived, prioritize unpacking things that will help you settle into your new home. Small actions like immediately hanging pictures on the wall will help you feel more at home. Start to get to know your new neighbors. Making plans with friends or having the grandkids visit is especially helpful in making you both feel more at home. If you didn’t have time to explore your new neighborhood before your move, now you can. Allow yourself the time to explore and relax. You’re in good hands with good care in your new community and can enjoy your new lifestyle. If you haven’t found your new home yet and want that maintenance-free lifestyle, connect with us. BridgeWater Assisted Living offers a supportive community at an affordable price. Join us for a meal and a tour and see what living well is all about.