If you have a loved one who is moving to an assisted living center, you may be unsure of what they can and cannot bring with them. However, every facility is different, so the answers to your questions will depend on the exact facility and how much assistance your loved one needs. As such, it is important to ask a facility questions about what can and cannot be brought when you are trying to find the right facility for your loved one. Here are a few questions to ask assisted living centers about what can and cannot be moved into their living spaces.
Furniture
Most assisted living facilities already have furnished spaces for your loved one And most prefer you use their furniture as they often have safety features incorporated into them. For example, the bed may have rails, lifts, and call buttons, making it easier for the patient to get in and out of bed and get help if they need, and making it easier for the staff if there is ever a medical emergency. However, while most are furnished, some may allow you to bring pieces of furniture with you. Typically, if allowed, they may be small pieces of furniture such as desks, book cases or night stands. But always ask ahead of time to be sure.
Pets
If your loved one has a beloved pet, they may be resistant to going to assisted living because they don't want to be without their companion. However, it might surprise you and your loved one to learn that a study done in 2010 showed that 54 percent of assisted living facilities allowed people to move in with their pets. Having a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and increase a person's activity level, so it makes sense that these centers would allow the pets. But, before you plan on moving your loved one's pet in, be sure that the facility allows it and find out what requirements they have in regards to pets.
Cars
Unless you are sending your loved one into an assisted living facility for memory issues, such as dementia, odds are, he or she will still be allowed to drive their own vehicle, if it is safe for them to do so. A study done in 2010 showed that 88 percent of assisted living facilities have parking spaces dedicated to cars for those residing in the facility. However, keep in mind that many also cater to those who do not drive, offering shuttle services and rides to doctors appointments, grocery stores, and group actives. Always ask to be sure the facility allows it, but typically the decision comes down to a personal one between you and your loved one, rather than the center allowing or disallowing it.
Going into an assisted living facility can be a big change for both you and your loved one. However, knowing what you can and cannot bring with you to the facility will help make the transition go as smooth as possible.
Share4 August 2017
Recently, my mom took my grandmother to her physician for a regular check-up. During this visit, the doctor discovered my grandmother had a cracked bone in her foot. Due to my grandmother’s dementia, she didn’t know if she had fallen or dropped something on her foot. My family and I decided my grandmother shouldn’t live on her own anymore. Do you desperately desire to protect an elderly loved one from harm? If he or she is currently living alone, consider placing your loved one in a nursing home or an assisted living facility. By making this move, you won’t have to worry anymore about the possibility of your relative falling with no one to help him or her. On this blog, I hope you will discover the numerous benefits of moving a senior loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility. Enjoy!