Now that you or a loved one have settled on moving into assisted living, the adventure is about to begin. However, a lot must be done before the move to ensure transitioning to assisted living is a smooth, comfortable process.

Moving a parent or loved one into an assisted living community comes with some challenges, but with preparation and patience, it can be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reminisce before turning the page and beginning the next chapter of life.  

How to Prepare for Moving in

Taking time to properly prepare for the move will go a long way when it comes to reducing stress.

Preparing for the emotional process of leaving one home and moving into another requires more than just gathering and filling some moving boxes. Some tips to make transitioning to assisted living easier include:

Honor Your Home: Whether you own or rent, the home left behind has been the backdrop for many wonderful memories. Consider having one last family dinner or taking a family photo in a favorite room to take to the new home.

Downsize: Judson Meadows’ residents bring their own furniture, creating a true sense of home in their new apartments. Ensure everything making the move will fit in the square footage of the chosen apartment. Downsize belongings by approaching the process on a room-by-room basis, sorting into “keep,” “donate,” and “trash” piles and boxes as you go.

Take Pictures: There may be beloved items that aren’t moving to the new apartment that are difficult to leave behind. Taking photos of these belongings can help memorialize them while making it easier to let go. It may also be worth passing some belongings on to loved ones.

Cancel Existing Services: Judson Meadows provides all utilities, including cable, basic phone service, and internet. Don’t forget to cancel all services in the former home and be sure to have all mail forwarded to the new address.

Make a Checklist: Moving can feel chaotic and confusing at any stage of life. Creating a checklist of must-have items can help ensure that nothing gets overlooked. This may include things like toiletries, medications, legal paperwork, and assistive devices like walkers or canes.

What to Expect When Moving in

Moving a parent or loved one into assisted living can be emotional. Before moving day, talk to Judson Meadows’ staff members to make sure everything you’re bringing is appropriate and that nothing has been overlooked. This can help reduce stress and worry.

It’s also a good opportunity to go over the move-in process and ensure important details are top-of-mind.

Family members can help by setting up the apartment and ensuring the new space feels like home. It helps to set up sentimental decorations and arrange furniture in a familiar way to provide extra comfort.

Transitioning into Our Community

Judson Meadows Assisted Living Community is a lot like a family, but it takes time to adjust and build relationships with new family members. The first week or so is a particularly busy time for new residents. After moving into assisted living, consider these tips to make it start feeling more like home as soon as possible:

  • Meet the neighbors, both next door and down the hall. Every person you encounter has the potential to be a new friend — they have been exactly where you are now and can help guide you along the way.
  • Take advantage of social programs, activities, and community events to get to know other residents and discover new things you can look forward to doing.
  • Get to know the staff. At Judson Meadows, our staff and residents are often found smiling and laughing together. The staff will help you feel more comfortable and answer any questions that pop up.

Contact Us for More Information or Schedule a Tour

Judson Meadows is known for its beautiful setting, welcoming community, and caring staff. We understand the challenges of moving into assisted living, whether you’re moving yourself or moving a parent.

Contact us today to get more information about making the transition a smooth one and to learn about our services and amenities. If you haven’t already, schedule a tour of our community to get a sense of the layout and to learn more.  


Financial Planning for Assisted Living

Learn about the assisted living financing offered at Judson Meadows and how we can help you manage assisted living costs, including loans, and other options.