by Debbie Robus

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

The decision to enter an assisted living facility is complicated at best. But there are steps that can be taken to ease the process and ensure a smooth transition from a more traditional living arrangement into assisted living.

The true "assisted living" facility is generally a complex similar to an apartment building, in which residents have separate living/sleeping quarters and common areas for dining, group activities, and public receiving of guests.

There is an retirement village in my community with an assisted living facility. Several of my relatives have resided there through the years, and they found it to be a wonderful option when some measure of daily assistance was required.

While a certain amount of independence was still afforded my relatives, aids were on duty in case of emergency needs. Transportation could be arranged, and regular trips on the facility van were offered to shopping centers and other destinations. Local church and civic groups came often to provide entertainment, play games, present programs, and more. There was no lawn care, or housekeeping, and cooking was certainly optional.

On the other hand, the apartments were small. This is the gut-wrenching part of the equation, as personal belongings must be pared to a minimum. While you can usually incorporate some or all of your own furnishings into your apartment, there isn't room for much. So preparation must be made to dispose of - or store - what can be a lifetime accumulation of "stuff."

Most assisted living facilities require that you still be fairly able-bodied, i.e. capable of managing and dispensing your own medications. There is also the consideration of cost. Assisted living is expensive and not covered by Medicare.

So how does one prepare for entering an assisted living facility? First, consider the options in the area where you desire to reside and visit these facilities. Ask questions, find out the cost, what is provided and what is required/disallowed. Ask for a copy of "the rules." Find out if contracts must be signed, if a downpayment is required, and what type of security/privacy measures are in place.

Consider your belongings and what you will do with them - what you will keep and what has to go. If possible, start making arrangements to donate, sell, and store your personal possessions. Some assisted living facilities allow you to keep your vehicle. If not, or if you do not plan to keep yours, you will need to decide how and where to dispose of it.

There may be a timing element, as many assisted living facilities have waiting lists. If this is the case in your area, you may need to go ahead and "get on the list" well in advance of your move, and timing this with the move/sale of your existing home may require a little juggling.

Assisted living facilities are sometimes chosen more out of necessity than forethought. But with proper preparation and the right mindset, the transition to assisted living can hopefully be smoother and more positive.

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