If you have come to the point in your life where you need a bit of help with your daily routine and have decided to move into an assisted living facility, you are probably a bit nervous about the move and your new home. Here are a few tips to help you have a smooth transition so that you and your family are happy with your decision.

What to Bring and What to Leave

As you are packing your belongings, remember that you are probably not going to have as much space in an assisted living facility as you do in your current home. While it is important that you have your own things, you need to ask what will be provided for you. If they provide items that you already have, you may be able to ask them to remove their things so you can bring your own. However, before you do, make sure that yours will fit. Ask to go to your apartment and measure the rooms. You do not want to get there with your things and realize that they will not fit. However, pack all the little things you want. If there isn't room for them all to be out, you can store them and rotate them throughout the year.

Be Social

While some of the residents will make a point of seeking out newcomers, you need to be willing to make the first move too. Read over the event calendar and make a point of attending the activities. This will give you a chance to get used to the people and decide which things you like to do. Now is not the time for being shy. It is okay to take a day or two to unpack, but the sooner you get involved, the more the place will feel like home.

Your Privacy

Your apartment is your home. You do not have to open the door and let others in if you are not comfortable with it. Meet people in the common areas and get to know them before inviting them in for a visit. Of course, you can have your family and friends from outside the facility in to visit as you please too.  Keep in mind, depending on the type of assistance you need, the staff may have a key to your apartment. Of course it should only be used when there is concern you are inside but cannot answer the door yourself.

Assisted living communities provide you with the bit of help you need, but allow you to remain independent at the same time. Do not worry if you feel a bit depressed or sad when you first make the move; this is completely normal. If you find you are having trouble getting out of the funk, ask the staff for help getting involved. Once you get into the swing of things you will wonder what you had been so worried about.