Help Your Loved One Transition to an Assisted Living Community


While many older adults wish to live out their senior years at home, for some, it is not a manageable option. Moreover, no matter our age, change can be challenging, and it is no different for seniors when the time comes for them move into an assisted living community. 

To ease the transition, experts offer several tips that can help make the move less stressful.  One suggestion is to start planning way ahead of the time you anticipate you will need to make the move.  So if you can, do not wait until your parent needs to go from a hospital stay into assisted living.  The advantage to starting your search in advance of the move is it allows you the time to find a place ideally suited to your loved ones’ needs and personality.  Always remember it is a huge life transition and should be treated as such.

If possible, it is recommended to try and pick from one of the senior communities in the area they reside in as it allows them to retain some continuity in their lives including keeping their doctors.  They can also continue to visit area friends and companions.  If you will be moving the person to another town or state to be closer to family, keep in mind this can be especially difficult and your parent may need even more support.  Experts advise in this situation to have more services in place rather than less.  If later you find you do not need some of them, you can cancel them. 

Another tip is to visit the new community as often as possible before the move.  Along with a formal tour of the community, make arrangements for them to have lunch there several times before they move in or participate in an activity or special event.  The more familiar they are with their new home the easier the transition will be. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, a Colorado Springs senior living community, provides both assisted living and memory care. Our wonderful team of caregivers is committed to providing our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability.     

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional community.


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