Are you an Oklahoma City-based senior citizen who’s considering an assisted living community? You’re not alone. At present, over 800,000 Americans live in assisted living communities and this is expected to increase.
But how do you prepare to move to a senior living community in Oklahoma City? What do you have to pack in order to be comfortable after the big move?
This detailed guide will share an essential senior living packing list that will help make the transition more comfortable.
Here’s what you should do:
Start Downsizing
Moving to senior living starts with removing any excess clutter from your home. Organize your items and take inventory. You’ll have to assess what’s necessary and what you must leave behind.
If there are items to leave behind, you’ll have to consider how important they are. If they’re crucial and you’ll need them later, you might want to keep them in self-storage. If not, now’s the best time to donate or sell them.
You’ll need to contact the senior living community beforehand. Ask them what items are allowed. You want to try to be as independent as possible. This ensures that you have a great experience without becoming helpless in the community.
Taking Clothing
The first part of packing for a retirement home is to have adequate clothing. You’ll have to check the amenities of the senior living community to see if there are laundry services. For example, there might be laundry services in the community. This means that there’s a scheduled laundry service as opposed to self-service.
In such a scenario, you’ll need an excess supply of clothing. There might be several days when you won’t have your laundry completed. Make sure you have pairs of each item.
Medication
The senior living community doesn’t always provide on-site medical staff. However, there will be medication management services available to help you. You’ll have to ensure you always have a supply of medicine with you.
Make sure you have your prescriptions updated before you move into the community. You should replenish your medical supply before you move to the community.
You can also ask the staff what medical supplies are available. For example, you may not need to bring your own first-aid kit. You might not need to bring over the counter medication such as aspirin, etc.
Leisure Items
Oklahoma City senior homes ensure that you’ll have company when you want it. The staff ensures that you’ll always have the means to keep yourself entertained.
This can include having board games, movie nights, outdoor activities, exercise, etc. Nevertheless, for the best experience you want to bring some of your own leisure items.
For example, you might wish to be on your own at times. You can bring a deck of cards to play Solitaire. You can bring a few books to read at your leisure. The best option is to buy a tablet where you can store several books and audiobooks.
You’ll have your own private apartment within the senior community. This leaves you lots of time to yourself. Make sure you keep this in mind before moving in. You’ll want to be able to relax and enjoy yourself while alone.
Technology Items
Tech items are among the senior community essentials needed for maximum comfort. Make sure you have a mobile phone that’s in good condition before moving in. Ensure that you have a plan that gives you a good connection and data.
It’s also best to bring headphones with you. There might be times when you wish to listen to music or audiobooks in your private apartment. You’ll often have to use headphones so that the audio doesn’t disturb others.
You can ask the senior community if there are any tech items that you can bring to enhance your lifestyle. For example, you might want to bring an air humidifier for your private apartment. On the other hand, you’ll have to ask if tech items such as an Alexa is permitted within the property.
Make sure you install certain apps on your mobile devices before moving in. You’ll want messaging tools and video conference apps. This is perfect for communicating with your family and friends when they can’t visit you in-person.
To-Do Before You Move
Once you’re done packing for a retirement home, there are a few tasks you’ll have to complete before you arrive at the senior community. First, you’ll need to contact USPS for a change of address.
If you pay your bills in person, you’ll need to speak to the senior community staff beforehand. You’ll want to check where the closest post office, bank, etc., is to pay your bills. The easiest option is to arrange to have your bills paid online. You can arrange for automatic bill payments.
If you prefer to make online payments manually, make sure you inquire about internet speeds and connectivity.
Legal Documents
For those living in a senior community, there are certain legal matters to deal with. Speak to an elder care attorney in advance. You might need to give power of attorney when you aren’t always available to sign documents.
Many senior communities will ask you to keep certain legal documents on file with them. These can include:
- Your Social Security Card
- Photocopies of your ID, such as your Driver’s License or Passport
- Health insurance cards
- Power of Attorney documents
- Will or Trust
- Medical Request Documents (such as “Do Not Resuscitate” requests)
It can take a few weeks or months to prepare and gather these legal documents. Make sure you have them all ready before you move into the property.
Move Into a Senior Living Community in Oklahoma City
You’re now prepared to move into the ideal senior living community in Oklahoma City for your needs.
Make sure you declutter your home before the move. You’ll need a surplus of clothing as well as tech and leisure items. Don’t forget to handle certain legal and financial matters so you can move in without any hassle.
Dorset Place has been offering assisted living services for seniors in Oklahoma City for several years. We welcome you to visit to see if we’re the right fit for you!
