A Guide to Praying About a Potential Move to Assisted Living

Prayers to Prepare You for the Assisted Living Transition

Preparing yourself or your loved one for a move to an assisted living community is essential to have peace with the change.

Prayers for Clarity and Discernment

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

• For seniors: Praying for wisdom and discernment will help in areas where you might experience insecurities or a lack of focus. By clearing your thoughts and applying wisdom to the decision-making process, you’ll be in a better frame of mind to make the right decision.
• For loved ones: Deciding your loved one needs to go to an assisted living community can be difficult. When praying, be sure to focus on major pain points such as the timing or whether it’s the right community.

Prayers for Peace and Comfort

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6-8

• For seniors: The move should be about more than an extra pair of hands to help when you need assistance. It’s also important that the move offers a certain level of comfort with the decision. During prayer time, be sure to address this with God.
• For loved ones: Peace of mind is probably the top requirement before choosing an assisted living community. When in prayer, ask God to allow peace to wash over you when you’ve opted for a community that will meet your loved one’s needs.

Prayers for Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

• For seniors: It’s natural to want to hold on to independence as much as possible when it comes to moving to assisted living. When you pray for wisdom, it’s important to set aside your personal feelings and wait for direction from God.
• For loved ones: Moving a loved one into assisted living shouldn’t just be a matter of convenience, as there are many factors to consider. Make a wise decision by praying for spiritual guidance on all the aspects to consider, including your loved one’s needs, financial situation, availability of care within your budget and whether your loved one is still independent enough to flourish on their own.

Prayers for Community

• For seniors: An important factor in any move, not just a move to assisted living, is leaving your current community. If you’ve been there for a while, you might feel reluctant to let those relationships go. Your prayers should address finding a community that will provide all the support and friendship you may need and not losing touch with your current relationships.
• For loved ones: It’s natural to fear that your loved one might end up alone in assisted living. Pray for God to reveal a community that offers plenty of social activities and caring support from caregivers. Ask God to point out communities that will feel like home and that place emphasis on relationship building and friendships.

Prayers for Gratitude

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• For seniors: Assisted living can be a wonderful opportunity to live a supported, fulfilled life with the help of experienced staff and a supportive community, and it’s important to thank God for the opportunity.
• For loved ones: There are many things to be grateful for when you’re ready to move your loved one into assisted care. From supportive staff to around-the-clock care, secure environments, healthy routines, social engagements and delicious meals, assisted living can provide it all. Remember to also thank God for keeping your loved one independent for this long, and thank him for his love, care and protection in this next phase.

Prayer for Resilience

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

• For seniors: Packing up your life to move to assisted living requires the ability to adapt. A prayer for resilience can see you through the entire process, from decision-making to packing and the actual move.

For loved ones: Pray for resilience when you’re planning on moving a loved one to assisted care, as you’ll be faced with many decisions. You have to carefully consider each aspect of the move from the type of community you’re looking for to amenities and accessibility.