Moving into an assisted living facility can be a challenging and emotional time for both seniors and their loved ones. While it’s natural to want to bring along all of your belongings, it’s important to consider what you really need and what you should leave behind. One item in particular to think twice about bringing with you are your valuables.
Risk of theft:
Assisted living facilities are home to many people, residents, staff, and visitors. Unfortunately, this means that the risk of theft increases with the foot traffic throughout the facility. While most staff members and other residents are trustworthy, there’s always a possibility that someone may take advantage of an opportunity to steal valuables. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make sure your most valuable items are kept in a safe place or even left behind before moving into the facility. These items can include jewelry, silver and gold, artwork, and other collectibles.
Emotional attachment:
Many of us have items that hold sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or special gifts. However, it’s important to consider whether bringing these items to an assisted living community is the best decision. The emotional attachment to these items can sometimes make it difficult to let them go, but it’s important to remember that you can always visit these items when you need to relive those memories. Another recommendation is to have photos of special items to view them while they are safely stored elsewhere.
Space limitations:
Assisted living spaces are usually smaller than the homes seniors are used to. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider what items are truly necessary to bring with you. Bringing too many valuables may clutter your space and potentially cause undue stress and anxiety.
Insurance:
Most assisted living communities have insurance policies in place to protect their residents and their belongings. However, these policies may not cover the full value of your most valuable possessions. If you do decide to bring valuable items with you when moving into an assisted living community, it’s important to check with the management team to make sure your items will be properly insured.
Peace of mind:
When you move into an assisted living community, it’s important to feel comfortable and at ease. By leaving your valuables behind, you will have one less thing to worry about. You won’t have to worry about keeping your prized possessions safe, and you can focus on enjoying your new surroundings and community.
By not bringing valuables along to assisted living facilities, it will protect them and you!