There comes a time in many senior’s lives when it is appropriate to go into assisted living. This is not always met with enthusiasm, but is often times a necessary step. Living in an assisted residence is much like living in your own apartment, only with added benefits geared toward the elderly. The best way to approach your new living situation is with a positive attitude and an open mind. The transition will only be as smooth as you make it, so the best thing to do is to be as prepared as possible. This article will provide a good overview of what you need to bring to your new assisted living facility both literally and figuratively. It should go without saying that one should bring their medical alarm, but we will also explore some not as obvious tips, as well as focus on the importance of a medical alarm.

First, let’s go over the physical requirements of moving into your senior living apartment. Many seniors transition from a home they have often spent a majority of their lives in. Your new apartment will be decidedly smaller than your home. This means you definitely want to leave the large house furniture behind. The last you’ll want is to feel cramped and overwhelmed in a smaller space. Get pieces that fit your new surroundings in a balanced way. This may sound like simple advice, but it is less obvious to a senior used to the same environment for many years.

Perhaps the most important thing to bring into your new assisted living apartment is your medical alert. The great thing about assisted living facilities is they typically have better access to on site care and are equipped to deal with aiding in medical emergencies. If you are going into a senior home, it is because you need that extra level of care. This also means you should have an extra layer of protection in the home as well. A medical alarm is good because it allows you to get help in emergencies without ever having to reach for the phone. All you have to do is wear a medical pendant transmitter (usually disguised as a watch or a necklace). When you need immediate medical attention or have an emergency, just press the pendant and the signal will connect to a twenty four hour monitoring center. If they asses you are having an emergency, paramedics will be instantly dispatched and you assisted living residence can be alerted as well. It is an excellent idea for any senior to have.

Lastly, you want to make sure you understand all of the new rules and requirements your new building has. For example, some residences will assist with a senior’s laundry. If this applies to you it is a good idea to label all of your clothes. These are details you would not be aware of if you didn’t read the residence’s policies. You should also become familiar with the activity board. An assisted facility can be a fun place for any senior, even if it is a big change from prior living arrangements.

So, enjoy your new senior living facility and no matter what you do, do not forget to get medical alert systems to keep you protected in your new residence.