Leslie Newlife

Helping to Improve the Quality of Life for Seniors

No matter how old someone is, they need a sense of purpose to keep them going. A senior citizen may be retired and no longer have children left to raise, and not feeling like they have a purpose may harm their mental health. If you’re caring for a loved one, try to understand how they may feel and come up with a plan for helping these years be some of their best. 

Encourage Physical Activity

Seniors may have a certain routine they follow each day because it’s what gives them comfort. This may or may not include physical activity. Depending on their physical limitations, you may want to encourage incorporating exercise into their daily ritual. Some ideas include chair yoga, resistance bands, water aerobics, and body weight exercises. 

Walking is another form of exercise that can benefit them in numerous ways. It allows them to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air. Walking can also help reduce pain, lower blood sugar, improve heart health, and improve mental health. Before encouraging physical activity, it’s a good idea to make sure they have the green light from their doctor first. 

Keep Them Involved 

Some seniors end up spending their elderly years feeling lonely and left out. Keeping them involved can help increase their sense of purpose while keeping them busy. Visit them often, but if you can’t do that, then try to pick up the phone and give them a call. Include them in what’s going on with their life so they don’t miss anything. If you’re expecting a baby, consider letting them be involved in your pregnancy and use a Chinese calendar baby gender 2022 to get a sneak peek at what gender the baby may be. 

Find Good In-Home Care 

There may be a time when it’s getting harder for them to live on their own and you may have to consider finding in-home care for them. Many seniors like their independence and the freedom to live their life the way they want to. If they still can live on their own, home health care can give them their freedom while offering the right amount of help. This will allow them to stay in the home that they feel the most comfortable in. 

Before looking into this type of care, it’s good to gauge what level of care they’d need such as determining if they need help bathing, if someone should do the grocery shopping and meal preparation for them, if they have a hard time remembering to take their medications, and if they need help with household chores. 

Provide Mental Stimulation 

The same daily routine can be boring, and it’s good to add some mental stimulation to their day. Help your loved ones find their passion and encourage them to pick up a couple of hobbies to keep their days full. Good mental stimulation will help keep their cognitive skills sharp. Some activities can include arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles, board games, Sudoku, gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors. 

If they try an activity and don’t care for it, don’t force it. You can keep encouraging them to try different things so they can find what they like doing. 

Encourage Social Interaction 

Social interaction is crucial at any age, but it can improve the quality of life for a senior citizen. Certain factors may make it difficult for your elderly loved one to interact socially as much as they might have done in the past such as lack of transport options or physical limitations. Social isolation is a problem some elderly face, and it’s something that can be avoided. Visiting and communicating often is the key. If you’re not able to visit them, finding someone in their area to check on them and spend time with them can make all the difference in the world to them.

Life Hacks for Making Household Tasks Easier for Seniors

Seniors have done and experienced so much in their lives, and now they’ve earned the right to relax. They won’t be able to avoid some chores entirely, but this does not mean they can’t learn better ways to complete them.

Look over these life hacks for making household tasks easier for seniors and help improve your loved one’s way of life.

Place Reminders

Give seniors the tools to manage parts of their daily routine. Some things might slip their mind from time to time. Help them remember small and big tasks by placing reminders in a visible place.

Choose an area of the house they frequent most. Make a list on a whiteboard and update it daily with whatever tasks need completing.

Let Others Carry the Load

Seniors don’t need to manage everything by themselves. They shouldn’t. If you can outsource some tasks, then do that. Instead of having a senior going up and down stairs or bending over to do laundry, pass this task on to someone else.

Allow a professional laundry delivery service to pick up and drop off their clothes and linens for them. These experts will clean all their items with exceptional care and make their clothes and sheets feel brand new.

Round Out Sharp Furniture Edges

Nobody wants just to sit still all day, seniors included. Sometimes they still want to feel useful, and that’s okay. Moving around the house and getting things done can make them feel like their contributing.

But for everyone’s peace of mind, make sure the house is safe to move around. Counters, tables, and nightstands have sharp edges that cause injury. Smooth out these edges and corners by adding guards that mold into the edges and soften them.

Organize Medications

Sometimes incorporating technology to help remind seniors when to take their medication can cause more confusion than it’s worth. Rather than using an app, opt for a more straightforward method.

The calendar app on their phone might be too difficult to read. A physical calendar or a spreadsheet on the fridge can work better. Buy a pill organizer, too, so they know the correct quantity of pills to take and on which days.

Make your senior’s life easier by incorporating these life hack tasks into their daily routine.

Moving Parents Closer to Home: Tips on How to Navigate Moving Finances

Taking care of your family can be a difficult task, especially if your parents aren’t close to where you live. You may find that eventually there will be a time in your life when you need to take the next step and move your parents closer to home. A lot can go into a move and a transition like this, and in some cases it could be hard to get your parent(s) onboard with the decision.

Whether the move is cross country, a few hours away across the state, or just 30 minutes down the road, having a conversation and a game plan in place can help ease the moving process for everyone.

Have the Family Conversation

Before jumping ahead and planning out all the logistics, it’s smart to have the initial family conversation. Having this conversation for some may be hard and awkward at times. In the long run, having this talk to determine your parents’ plan for care as they get older can benefit both you, your siblings, child, and your parents.

This family conversation is crucial for understanding where your parent(s) stand on the situation and it allows you to see where their head’s at with where they see themselves as they transition to this next phase of their lives. Ask your parent(s) what they want and take into consideration their side of things. Then voice your ideas. This will give both sides the ability to share their thoughts, hopes and opinions on the situation.

Sometimes you may be on the same page, other times, there may be some gray area. If your parent(s) are on the fence about making the move, some points you may want to bring up to them would be:

  • Being closer to the greater family can ensure safety for them
  • It allows for more family time since they won’t be too far away
  • The move can permit easier assistance if they have medical issues
  • Downsizing to a new home can save money and ensure they are in a space that is easy to maneuver around and take care of as they get older

During this conversation, if you have siblings, it’s a good time to discuss who will take on the caregiver role.  Determine if you will all be hiring someone to come take care of your parents every now and then if needed. It may be helpful for everyone to hire someone to come in part time or full time to check-in on your parent(s) now and then. There are chances of caregiver burnout so hiring extra help is never a bad thing in most cases it just benefits everyone.

Once you come to a consensus of what is best for the family, stay organized and take notes and write down ideas and dates within a planner. Not only will it keep you and your family on track, but it will allow for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to what was discussed and decided on to ensure a flawless transition.

Consider Care

If during the conversation, you and your family have decided that extra care may be needed, it’s a good idea to look into various care options for your parent(s). Depending on the health of your parent(s), you’ll want to research different levels of care for them. Even if they aren’t ready for extra care, it’s still important to learn about options for the future.

If your parent(s) don’t need much care but are looking for more social interaction with those their age, an independent living situation may be best for them. If they are in need of some assistance when it comes to day-to-day activities you may want to think about an assisted living community so they can have help when needed.

Parent(s) who may have medical issues that may hinder their living situation and ability to be on their own, should potentially consider a nursing home as an alternative. If your parents have dementia, memory care is a great option. That way, you can still visit them but won’t have to worry about them being on their own and have a peace of mind knowing they are in good hands and being monitored.

Some people like having their family members in close quarters and have the ability and room to do just that! If that is you, it could be a good idea to create an in-law suite. You can work with them to really make it their own, whether that be you take them shopping for furniture and items to decorate the space or have them plan the layout with you. Get them involved so they feel that they have a say to make it their new home. A tip if they are moving into your home would be to look into senior programs so they can still feel connected with others their age.

Plan Moving Logistics

Once you’ve decided on potential care for your loved one(s) and have agreed on the move, the next step is to plan out moving logistics. It’s a good idea to have a strategy in place when it comes to moving to ensure you are considering all the aspects of a move so your loved one(s) can experience a flawless relocation.

As you start to plan out moving logistics, you’ll want to take into consideration the move-in dates of your parent(s) new home. Whether this be a move into your or your siblings’ home, a smaller home, an assisted or independent living community, or a nursing home, keeping this in mind for the move is crucial. Once you know the move-in date, it gives you the ability to lay out the rest of the moving plan.

If you need more support with moving your parents, moving companies can offer this assistance. There are options such as hiring a moving crew, ordering a moving van yourself, or even ordering a pod to fill and have the company drive it to your new location.

Typically a move means selling a home or ending a lease, if that’s the case for your situation, you’ll want to have a plan in place to make sure the house is packed up and ready for the next homeowners or renters. This can be a lot for your parent(s) so make sure that you are there to be of assistance and maybe even consider hiring packers if you don’t have a lot of helpers around. If you have a big family it may be a good idea to plan a week or weekend that everyone can pitch in to work together to help pack up belongings. Take inventory and make a list to decide whether you’ll be keeping, donating, or storing items. This is a great way to stay organized throughout the move. If your loved ones aren’t ready to part with certain items, invest in a storage unit closer to where they’ll be living so they can access the items whenever they want.

If your parent(s) live across the country, decipher your travel timeline. In some cases if they are far away, you’ll have to designate more time to the move and whether or not you’ll get moving trucks and pack up cars to relocate or if you all pack up the home and take a plane back home while you wait for their belongings to be shipped or transported.

Figure Out Moving Finances

A moving budget is another important part of moving logistics. You’ll want to make sure your loved one(s) have enough money allocated to make the move. It’ll also help you and your siblings figure out if there’s a need for you all to pitch in on any of these costs.

To stay on track and to see how much your parent(s) could potentially be spending, develop a spreadsheet of all the expenses involved with the move. Do some research, call around and get some price points, and mark all the expenses down. Once you have the pricing  figured out, you’ll want to think about various payment options to support the move.

Consider speaking with your parents about potential payment options that can cover the move and any home improvements they need to make before moving out of their home. Talk to them about their retirement fund, savings,  or a personal loan. You may even discuss with your siblings or spouse about potentially taking out a personal line of credit or using a credit card to help out. Another idea you could pitch would be for them to hold a garage sale to weed out some unnecessary items.

Lastly, make sure they have some extra money in an emergency fund in case problematic situations arise that may skew costs of services involved with the move (example: important items that could have been damaged or broken during the move). Having an emergency fund can also ensure your parents and/or you and your siblings aren’t borrowing too much to support the move.

Make the Move

Using these steps to get a plan of action for your loved ones is essential for a seamless transition. Now that you’ve had the conversation, planned out care and logistics, it’s now time to make the move! Get your loved one excited about this next step in their life journey and enjoy the move with ease.

3 Things to Consider When Making Funeral Arrangements

The loss of a loved one is never easy, but planning ahead can help ease the process. Before someone passes, it’s beneficial to discuss funeral arrangements to know what their final wishes are for their service and resting place. Read on to learn three things to consider when making funeral arrangements.

Type of Service

One of the first things to consider when making funeral arrangements is the type of service your loved one wants. There are several different types of services and burials that you will want to be aware of so you can choose the one that best suits you and your loved ones. If your loved one went through hospice care, you should consult with the caregiver on any arrangements your loved one requested.

Of course, if you are planning your own funeral, you can make whatever choices you desire. Still, if you are planning arrangements for a loved one, it’s good to check their will and legal documents for potential instructions regarding their final wishes. Some examples of service types include a traditional full-service funeral, a direct burial, a cremation, or a green burial.

Funeral Provider

The necessity of a funeral provider is the next thing to keep in mind when arranging a funeral. Once you decide what type of service you would like to have, it’s time to choose a funeral provider for the service. Some states, but not all, require that you have a funeral provider to have a funeral. It’s essential that you choose a provider you trust and feel will respect your wishes in this difficult time of loss.

Seeking connections in times of grief is important, and funerals are a way for people to do that. Therefore, you also want to be able to connect with your funeral provider to allow them to understand your wants and needs for a funeral. If your loved one lived in a retirement community, assisted living, or nursing home, talk to their staff and request a list of nearby funeral homes they trust.

Financial Arrangements

The third thing to consider when planning a funeral is making financial arrangements. Funerals can get rather expensive, depending on the services that you choose. Therefore, it’s essential that you make the appropriate financial arrangements to ensure that you can cover the funeral’s costs. If you are planning your own funeral, you can set aside dedicated finances so that the responsibility doesn’t fall to your family members after your death. However, if you are planning a loved one’s funeral, you can split up costs among family and friends or choose a plan to pay for the services.

Now that you’re aware of the three things to consider when planning a funeral, you can have peace of mind as you lay your loved one to rest. Of course, planning in advance is always helpful. Having a plan in place means that you are ready for anything and don’t have to worry about it when you are in the throes of grief.

Best Window Treatment Options for Senior Living

Window treatment options are an essential part of home decorating while also providing an important function. Window treatments allow us to control the amount of light that comes in, give us privacy, and help create a comfortable and relaxing environment. Whether in nursing homes or home care, learning about some of the best window treatment options for senior living never hurts.

Woven Wood Shades

A calming environment is good for senior health. Woven wood shades provide a natural sensation and are great for at-home care. These eco-friendly options are easy to install and manage while creating a relaxed and inviting setting. Woven wood shades don’t generally have many pieces, making them less of a hassle to open or close.

Drapery

Unlike blinds and shutters, which contain cords and pull strings that may tangle or snap, drapes are an elegant and classy window treatment option for seniors. While drapes are ideal for longer windows or sliding glass doors, they open along a railing that requires little force or effort to let in a bit of light. This quality makes them a great option regardless of one’s level of strength or mobility.

Drapes are an excellent way to add a dash of style and comfort to any living arrangement while providing essential sound and temperature control.

Motorization

No matter your choice, your most valuable asset is motorization. Motorized window treatments allow residents, staff, family members, and all individuals to control the amount of light and privacy from the windows with the press of a button. These options prevent seniors from moving around too much while giving them control of what comes through their windows.

Many motorized window options also come with timers, allowing people to set their blinds, shades, or shutters to open or close at intervals throughout the day. Regardless of what treatments you use, investing in motorization is fundamental for the health and comfort of the seniors in your life.

Tips for Improving the Operations of Your Nursing Home

Nursing homes are an essential requirement of the world today. As people age, they need help to do many basic things and need more specialized care, and institutions like nursing homes provide that for them. This care takes the burden off them and their family as well. Unfortunately, nursing homes operate like any other institution and may not work as efficiently as they should. Here are some great ways you can improve your nursing home to make it operate more smoothly.

Small Quality of Life Improvements

One of the best ways to make things operate more smoothly is to improve the quality of life of everyone, both patients and staff alike. Creating a better environment is a great way to lower stress and make everyone happy. A better environment can mean more breakroom amenities, decorations, and livelier colors instead of the traditional inoffensive whites and grays. Another addition you can implement to make everyone happier and improve their quality of life is a small aquarium. On top of being pleasant to look at, these aquariums have many benefits for seniors, as maintaining the tanks can help keep them active and help with memory.

Integrate With the Cloud

Many industries are using the cloud today, and after learning its benefits, it’s clear to see why. Cloud services are easy to use and can simplify many day-to-day operations. For example, a lot of administrative work can now be accessible from anywhere, including from those working at home. Other staff members can also communicate more effectively through online channels and get things approved or have questions answered quickly. Being online can also be good for residents, as the staff and their families can easily access their information and check on how they’re doing.

Improve Communication

Nursing homes have a lot of rules and procedures in place as they are medical facilities working with patients. While these exist, there may not be the greatest oversight and transparency between departments and staff. A way to fix this and ensure that things are done well is to improve overall communication throughout your facility. There should be more accessible avenues for staff, patients, and family to report things they see, and staff needs to address these issues promptly. Make a clear communication plan for cases like this so that when something gets raised or flagged, it goes to the right people who can fix the issue.

These were some tips for improving the operations of your nursing home, and while things can never be perfect, you and your staff can strive to make them as close to perfect as possible!

Products That Make Life More Comfortable for Seniors


As we get older, we’re blessed with the wisdom that comes with the year, ideally some financial freedom and family that enriches our lives and brings us joy and comfort. There are other things that can make life more comfortable as we age too. From choosing the right products to use in our daily grooming, physical fitness, and even what we clean and decorate our home with. Keep reading if you’re looking for things that can add value to your life through the comfort and ease they bring. 

Beauty Sleep 

The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep is when our bodies rest and restore themselves on a cellular level—investing in the best mattress you can afford impacts your immediate health – joint or back pain, deeper sleep, and longevity.

In addition to a quality mattress, make your bed with high-quality linens. Our bodies go into a deeper sleep, and it’s easier to stay asleep when we are cooler as it increases our body’s production of melatonin. Purchase sheets, duvets, and comforters in natural textiles like silk, linen, or cotton. A bonus of satin or silk sheets? They reduce fine lines and wrinkles and keep your hair frizz-free!

Natural Clean 

Did you know that many conventional household cleaning products are harmful to your health? From skin conditions to respiratory distress, what you clean your home with can impact you. Protect your health and keep yourself comfortable by opting to clean your house with natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

In addition to the sprays and cleansers you use, opt for more natural clothes like 100% cotton cleaning cloths and feather dusters. If you struggle to keep your home looking how you want it, investing in a cleaning service to come once a week is an excellent way to keep your home fresh and tidy – make sure they’re using all-natural cleansers – for your health and theirs!

Subscription Services 

The rise in subscription services is one area where the modern world is getting it right. Whether you want to make your pocketbook more comfortable with the rising cost of gas or you have issues that make running errands less than enjoyable, subscriptions can save the day.

Wine lover? There’s a subscription for that. Cat lover? Have your litter and toys delivered to you and your pets! Even everyday household items can be delivered straight to your door, from bamboo products like toilet paper and paper towels to your groceries. By subscribing, you typically save money, too, so consider having your needs met without lifting a finger through subscription services. 

Comfort Clothing 

Even for the most fashion-minded individuals, you can look chic and be comfortable at the same time. In today’s world, you can even get high heels that are comfortable. Do bras dig into your back or sides? Try a comfortable bralette or a wire-free bra. Do you find yourself fiddling with zippers and buttons too long in the morning?

Even the most expensive designers make jeans or slacks that you can pull on with ease. If you have more serious mobility issues, talk with a loved one or do your own search online for “adaptive clothing” that can make everything from putting on your socks and shoes to wearing a suit more manageable than it’s been in decades. You don’t have to sacrifice your sense of style just because you’re aging! 

Medical Alert Systems 

If you live alone, sometimes a medical alert system can give you the peace of mind you want and need. We get it, and many seniors feel these systems have a serious stigma. Still, the truth is, they make your life more comfortable by giving you the confidence to maintain your independence. Additionally, it’s worth remembering that people of all ages carry medical alert systems or have them installed in their homes for a variety of reasons. You can opt for a system that you carry on your person or one with buttons strategically placed throughout your home, depending on your health and needs. 

Of course, there are other things you can purchase or use to make your life more comfortable, depending on your individual needs and taste, but these items are a great starting point. Here’s to your health; the best years are yet to come!

Financing Options to Pay for Senior Living

Seven out of every 10 seniors will need to enter a long-term care facility at some point in their life.  As the percentage of population over 65 grows, the number of senior living facilities offering varying levels of assistance is also on the rise.  

On average, assisted living facilities charge upwards of 130 per day to provide housing and around the clock nursing and care. Over-55 communities may start at $1,000 per month for rent or mortgage payment. This usually excludes down payments and monthly service fees, which can total more than $100,000.

Most people enter a senior living facility in their mid to late 70s, nearly a decade after first entering retirement. For this reason, the cost of long-term care and assisted living must be calculated into an individual’s retirement planning. Planning must even be robust for couples, who will need to plan for surviving spouses.

Generally, seniors and their loved ones can tap into several financing options to pay for senior living care costs. 

Retirement Nest Egg

The majority of senior housing costs are covered by private funds. Many retirees have recurring income from annuities or private pensions. They may also hold savings in tax-deferred retirement accounts. While the average median retirement savings amounts to around $200,000, medical costs and long-term care expenses may easily dwarf that figure.

Government Benefits

In addition to Social Security payments that are distributed to citizens and residents with qualifying work histories, the U.S. government also provides additional monetary support for specific groups of seniors. Medicaid is a means-tested health insurance program designed for lower-income Americans. 

More than 30 states offer Medicaid waivers that can be applied to the costs of care provided in an assisted living facility. Understanding Medicaid billing and reimbursements can be complex, so seniors and their family members should discuss applicable benefits with the assisted living facility.

Former servicemembers and their spouses may qualify for the Aid and Assistance benefit managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This benefit defrays the costs of assisted living by covering certain services. Veterans classified as homebound or bedridden can qualify for higher payouts. While the maximum aid amount varies by situation, veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses can receive between $1,000 and $3,200 per month. 

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage

Also known as a federally-backed reverse mortgage, Home Equity Conversion Mortgages are a popular way to pay for assisted living costs if one spouse is able to remain in the home. Homeowners with significant equity in their primary residence can apply for an HECM if they are at least 62 years old. 

The loan provider may disburse a lump sum or monthly payout. Unlike a traditional mortgage, there are no recurring payments. Instead, the balance must be paid in full after the loan holder moves from the home or passes away. Generally, the loan is settled by selling the house.

HECMs do have some upfront costs and are not appropriate for every senior. In some cases, it may be preferable to sell a home rather than take out a loan against the equity. 

Life Insurance

Some types of life insurance can actually cover expenses incurred during the policyholder’s lifetime.  For example, whole life insurance products enable policyholders to accumulate a cash value that can be tapped into when necessary. Policies worth $100,000 or more may qualify for a living benefits program, which are loans equivalent to up to half of the death benefit. 

Another way to extract the value of a life insurance policy is to sell the death benefit to a settlement company. This option is advised for seniors who will enter long-term care in the near future. 

Long-term care insurance policies explicitly cover any expenses associated with care and treatment for a chronic condition. As the premiums are much higher for older seniors, individuals should consider taking out a policy before they are 60 years old. However, older seniors can still qualify for long-term care insurance, and may pay a lump sum with savings, a loan, or money from an HECM.

Family Support

While many family members willingly contribute to an older relative’s senior living costs, they are not obligated to do so if the senior is covered by Medicaid. However, in many states, adult children have a filial responsibility for unpaid assisted living costs accumulated by their parents. Family members who sign as responsible parties during the admission process may also be liable for outstanding bills. 

If family members are not in a financial position to cover their loved ones expenses, they can help the senior understand their financing options, which can include taking out a loan or applying for government benefits. If feasible, families can try to reduce long-term care costs by opting for in-home caregiving, or paying for modifications to senior’s current residence.

How to Prepare for a Move to an Independent Living Community


There may come a point in your life when you want to (or have to) move to an independent living community. This is a big decision, so you don’t want to rush it. Take your time, compare your options, and only make a choice when you’re 100 percent confident in what you’re doing.

If you’ve concluded that moving to an independent living community is the right idea, be sure that you prepare accordingly. This will ensure that you follow the right path. Here are five steps you can take:

  1. Review your budget

This is the first step in the process. If you don’t have a firm grasp of your budget, it’s difficult to determine what comes next. You must know how much money you bring in every month, as well as how much you spend. Only then can you decide on how to proceed. 

  1. Compare communities

Don’t assume that the first independent living community that you come across will be the best. There are many to choose from, so take your time. Write out the pros and cons of each one so that you have a clear view of which path to take. 

  1. Plan your timeline

Maybe you want to move into an independent living community right away. Or perhaps you want to hold off for the time being as you gain a better understanding of your budget and future costs. 

Planning your timeline will give you peace of mind as you inch toward moving into an independent living community. It’s better to take this approach than it is to “wing it” and hope for the best. 

  1. Think about your next move

Once you know that you want to move into an independent living community, you’re set for the time being. But that doesn’t necessarily mean this is your last move. You may soon realize that there will come a time when you have to move out of an independent living community and into an assisted living facility.

Once again, there are questions to answer. Does the independent living community also have assisted living care? What will happen to your residence if you have to move out? What impact will your next move have on your budget?

  1. Ask others for advice and tips

If you know someone who has moved into an independent living community, ask them for advice and guidance. They can tell you what to do, what to avoid, and how to make a decision that you’ll be happy with.

Also, share your thoughts with your doctor. Ask them if they have any thoughts about moving into an independent living community and which ones in the area are best. You may be surprised to find that they have quite a bit of knowledge in this area.

You don’t have to listen to every bit of advice that you receive, but more knowledge is always better than less. 

Important questions to answer

There’s no shortage of questions to answer as you consider a move to an independent living community. Here are some of the most important:

  • What is the best way to pay for your move? From no income verification loans to personal savings, there are funding sources you can tap into to manage the expenses of this transition. 
  • Is now the right time to make the move? Don’t rush this decision. You don’t want to look back and wonder what went wrong. 
  • Do you know which communities will best suit you? Don’t spend all your time focused on one independent living community. Compare a minimum of three to five communities so you can make an informed and confident decision. 

The more of these questions that you answer the easier it is to decide on your next moves.

Final thoughts

This is a basic overview of how to prepare for a move to an independent living community. You may decide to take different steps, and there’s nothing wrong with that. As long as you’re on the right path and stay there until the end, everything will work out.

What other steps would you add to the list above? Is there anything else you can do to prepare for a move to an independent living community?

Great Clothing Choices When You Move to Assisted Living

Moving out of your home and into assisted living can feel like you are losing out on a lot of things. Fortunately, many assisted living facilities offer a lot of fun activities, community, and even services like hair stylists, food, and more. When you live in this type of community, you can lose out on some storage space, which means you might need to pare down your closet and wardrobe if you have a lot of things in your home. Here are some great ideas of what to bring and some thoughts on what to leave behind or put in storage.

Comfortable but Stylish Shoes

Unless there is a medical need otherwise, you can bring any shoes you want into assisted living with you. Whether you prefer a comfortable pair of wedge heels or a pair of flats or even those shoes that still need a good shoeshine, there are plenty of options to bring with you. You want to be sure the shoes that you do bring first of all still fit, that they are comfortable enough without being a fall risk for you and that you like them. Leave behind anything you don’t really love, you haven’t worn in years, or that you don’t think would work for your needs anymore.

Mix and Match Pieces

Sure, it’s great to have a completely new outfit for every day of the month. But when you start to get low on space, you might realize that a wardrobe filled with mix and match pieces is more practical. Plus, in an assisted living community you may or may not have laundry in your room. Some places offer laundry services where they wash, dry, and deliver your clothes back to your room. Mix and match pieces give you more flexibility for the hot summer months and cold winter months to wear outfits that still look good, but that don’t take up as much space in your closet.

Clothes for a Night Out

When you live in assisted living, it’s not like going to prison. You’ll still want clothes for date nights, going out with friends, and enjoying the company of others. Having an outfit or two just for special occasions is still important. Whether you have a nice suit and tie or a dress or skirt you love, make sure to hang onto the pieces that fit you well and that you feel great in. You want to be prepared for a night or dancing or getting invited to a loved one’s wedding. If you have a lot of formal wear, you may not be able to bring it all, but you can always pack things away and put it in storage.

Seasonal Weather Clothes

Seasons come and go. You’ll want shorts and shirts for hanging out at the pool or beach and outfits for those cooler fall and winter days. Make sure you think through all the seasons in your area to ensure you bring along the right kinds of clothes to your new assisted living home. Warm pants and warm socks are perfect when you go out on cold days, and when it gets hot inside or out, you’ll want to wear something that helps you cool down.

A Warm Jacket

Don’t forget to bring a jacket. A warm coat can keep you toasty in the winter, or if the AC in the dining hall is too chilly. This versatile wardrobe piece is essential when you go to an assisted living facility especially if you’re active and like to go out a lot.

Sweater or Sweatshirt

Bring along a sweater or sweatshirt that’s easy to get on and off. You can throw it over anything. If you head out to the movie theater, you probably know how freezing it can get in there especially in the summer. An easy to carry warm shirt can help you no matter what situation you’re in.

The key to moving into an assisted living facility is to remain flexible. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t think about how little space they have in their closets and try to bring everything only to be disappointed that it won’t all fit. By planning ahead with the pieces you like and use the most, you’ll be able to fit everything and it will all have a purpose.