When a loved one can no longer live safely alone, an assisted living facility may be the perfect solution for them. While this type of facility does not oversee medical care, an assisted living facility provides meals, medication reminders and staff to help out if there is an emergency. People living in assisted living facilities often still drive, yet don't feel safe living home alone any longer. To ease the transition to this type of living environment, you can try a number of techniques.

Be Prepared Before the Move-In Day with Medical Information

If your loved one takes prescription medications, then it is important to make sure that they have all of the correct prescriptions with them when they move into the facility. You will be responsible for filling any weekly or medication holders, and your loved one will need to take their medications on their own. Staff might remind your loved one that it is time to take their medications, but it is up to your family member to physically take the medication on their own.

Make the Time to Spend the Day with Your Loved One on Moving Day

Rushing your loved one into a new facility and taking off is going to make them feel unsettled. On the day your loved one is moving in, plan to spend the day with them getting acclimated to the place. You may even decide to spend the first night with them, just to help your family member or friend feel more at ease with the transition. When you are relaxed about the transition, your loved one will feel less stressed about the move.

Meet with the Director or the Social Worker

Depending on the facility your loved one is moving into, you will get the chance to either meet with the director of the place or with one of the social workers. This is your time to ask any questions that you have, and it is also your time to prepare the facility to get to know your loved one better. You can prepare beforehand by creating a document that outlines any likes or dislikes of your family member, and any specific needs or desires they may have. You are the one who will be advocating for your loved one, and it's important to let the senior living facility know that you are there to answer any concerns or questions.