At Provision Living, our assisted living communities are designed to help couples continue their shared routines while also ensuring each partner receives the right level of support. As often happens, a couple’s care needs may develop and change at different paces, and when they do, our team at Provision Living works together to coordinate care so that both partners can continue to enjoy daily life together while allowing for caregiver relief for the more able spouse. Here, we’ve compiled a few tips for couples with different needs to ensure their transition to assisted living goes as smoothly as possible!
Prepare emotionally for the move
When making the move to assisted living for couples, it’s normal to feel a whole range of emotions from excitement, grief, relief, sadness to anxiety, or a combination of all of these. They may be worried about moving to an unfamiliar environment, or anxious about losing their independence, or unsure about making new friends.
That’s why, our teams at Provision’s senior living communities are trained to offer gentle, ongoing guidance to individuals and couples as they navigate those important first few weeks post move-in. We make a point to introduce residents to their new neighbors and invite them to community events early on. We also encourage families to visit often and take part in community meals and celebrations, so residents feel at home even sooner.
Strategize on a coordinated care plan
At Provision, when it comes to planning care for couples, we start with a detailed assessment for each resident and build a coordinated care plan that aligns both partners’ daily routines, medication schedules, and care preferences. That way, both feel supported without feeling like they’re losing their independence. To help us get this process started, we suggest that couples who are preparing to move in:
- Talk to both of your current doctors to review your medications, diagnoses, and other needs.
- Summarize both partners’ information in one file so that our team has a clear picture of each person’s health.
- Bring copies of legal or medical documents like advance directives or power of attorney to streamline future care decisions.
- Share each partner’s daily habits with our care team including meal preferences, wake-up times, and favorite activities.
- Discuss any mobility challenges or physical limitations so we can create a safe and comfortable environment for both partners.
Taking these steps gives our team a headstart on creating a coordinated plan of care that works for both partners.
Pack, downsize, and decorate
Moving into assisted living can be easier when planning starts early, and when both partners are part of the packing and decision-making. At Provision, we encourage couples to use a move-in checklist to organize important items and work together to make their new space feel personal. Here, we’ve compiled a few tips to help couples streamline the downsizing and move-in process:
- Keep an inventory list for packing
- Take your time and go through items gradually
- Prioritize packing items you use daily such as personal care items and clothing
- Donate or repurpose items you leave behind
- Pack favorite personal items and decor to make your new space feel like home
- Label boxes with the correct room
- Enlist family and friends to help pack
- If the process becomes too unwieldy, consider hiring a senior moving service
Explore your new apartment
At Provision, assisted living apartments are designed for comfort and familiarity. Plus, couples can choose from spacious floor plans that allow them to share their home while also having private space for themselves. Each of our apartments offers key safety features like walk-in showers, grab bars, and emergency call systems. Residents also enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, which means no home repairs, chores, laundry, or meal prep, so partners have more time for building new relationships, engaging in hobbies, or spending quality time together.
Settle into community life
Once you’ve unpacked, it’s time to enjoy what assisted living at Provision has to offer. Each of our communities offers a full calendar of programs and activities, from fitness and art classes to movie nights, outings, and volunteer opportunities, so couples can participate in activities together or explore individual interests! And if, over time, one partner requires additional care and assistance, both can remain in the same home without disrupting the rhythms of their day-to-day life together.
How Provision can ensure a smooth transition
Assisted living for couples at Provision Living means a private, maintenance-free apartment with access to personalized care, chef-prepared dining, a variety of life enrichment activities, and around-the-clock care and support provided by our compassionate team. And with thoughtful planning and help from our team, couples who move to assisted living together can continue living the life they love, side by side.
To learn more about our assisted living services at Provision, explore our Assisted Living resource, or download our new Assisted Living Guide. You can also reach out and speak with one of our helpful community advisors, or, if you’re ready to see one of our Provision Living communities up close, schedule a visit today! We look forward to meeting you both!
