The first month after Mom moves into her assisted living or senior living community is an adjustment for everyone, Mom most of all. Your MoveMyMom Advisor can help you plan the next step, and our help is always at no cost to families.
Talk to your MoveMyMom Advisor
Mom may feel tired, confused, or homesick. Visit often, but keep visits short.
She’ll start learning the routine. Encourage her to try an activity.
She may make a friend. Ask staff how she’s doing.
Things usually start to feel more normal. Talk with staff about how it’s going.
Many families have the apartment fully set up before Mom arrives: bed made, favorite chair by the window, family photos on the wall, and her clothes in the closet. Walking into a room that already looks like hers can make a big difference on the first night. A senior move manager can handle the setup while you spend the day with Mom. If the family doesn’t agree on what goes, see how a senior move manager can ease family tension.
In the first week, introduce yourself to the nurse or wellness director, the activities director, and the front desk. Share a one-page “about Mom” sheet: her routines, what she likes to be called, foods she loves, what calms her when she’s anxious, and the names of the people she’ll ask about. Staff can’t read Mom’s mind, but they can read your notes.
It’s normal for Mom to be tired, teary, or short-tempered in the first couple of weeks. It’s normal for her to say she wants to go home. It’s worth a conversation with staff if she stops eating, won’t leave her room for days, seems more confused than usual, or has a fall. Ask for a care-plan meeting at the 30-day mark to review how things are going.
Daughters often feel guilty after the move, even when it was the right decision. Give yourself the same patience you’re giving Mom. The goal of the first month isn’t perfection. It’s for Mom to be safe, fed, cared for, and slowly finding her place.
Your MoveMyMom Advisor is here if you need us.
Often at first, but keep visits short. Short, regular visits give Mom time to settle into her new routine.
That’s common in the first weeks. Give it time, and talk with staff about how she’s settling in.
One call is a good place to start. Call 877-575-9900 or get started online.
