Transitioning From Independent to Assisted Living

It's a death of sorts.

I’ve often considered changing my title from death doula to transition doula. This is because I have had many clients who are nowhere near the end of their lives, but instead are transitioning from independent to assisted living. They tell me how it feels like the death of their independent self, and sometimes they act out their grief in destructive ways.

Unfortunately, many assisted living facilities lack staff members with the time, training, or ability to support residents in this phase of life.

As a result, it’s easier to ask such residents to leave.

This further disrupts the elderly person's life and costs the facility a client. It doesn’t have to be that way. While people transitioning from independent to assisted living can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, doulas like me routinely assist with this.

How To Help Aging Adults Transition

Imagine living independently for most of your life and the shock of giving that up. You're now being told when to eat your meals and …