Making the move to senior living can be an exciting next step, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Mixed emotions are common: excitement about what's ahead, relief at leaving home maintenance behind, and maybe some nerves about the unknown. You may be wondering:
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Will I find people I connect with?
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Will I settle into a comfortable routine with the activities I enjoy?
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Will I remain close to family and friends?
If these questions sound familiar, you're not alone. Life in a senior living community means adjusting to a new home, new routines, and new faces. Your supporting family members are going through a big change, too. They're right there with you, ready to ease the transition as you settle in.
Cedarhurst® understands the feelings that come up during move-in day and in the weeks and months that follow. Those early jitters tend to subside as new friendships, favorite routines, and a deeper sense of belonging take hold.
In this article, you'll learn about Cedarhurst Pair to Prepare® and the ongoing support you can expect from your community. Even when so much else is changing, from your residence to your neighbors to the team members you see each day, having someone you love nearby can make all the difference.
In this guide, we'll discuss:
- What is Pair to Prepare?
- How Does the Pair to Prepare Program Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Pair to Prepare?
What is Cedarhurst Pair to Prepare?
Pair to Prepare is a Cedarhurst program that invites a spouse, relative, or close friend to stay alongside a new resident during their first few days in the community, at no additional cost.
On move-in day, you can unpack together, explore your new surroundings, meet neighbors and team members, and start finding a new routine. It's a chance to experience life at Cedarhurst and ease the transition for everyone involved, not just the person moving in.
As Christy Anderson, Executive Director at Cedarhurst of Arnold, puts it, "Moving in can be really exciting, but it can also be overwhelming with learning new routines, having a new home, and meeting all the new neighbors. It's nice to have a familiar face—a family member or friend—stay with residents to help them adjust."
Play the video below to hear about one family's experience with the Pair to Prepare program:
Still deciding if a move to senior living is the right fit? Take Cedarhurst’s quick assessment.
How Does the Pair to Prepare Program Work?
Every Cedarhurst community tailors Pair to Prepare to the needs of each new resident and their family, so program details can look a little different from one location to the next.
That level of flexibility is intentional. According to Anderson, “Many communities focus on move-in day, whereas Cedarhurst focuses on the transition as a whole. It also allows us to provide a personalized experience for the resident and the family members as well.”
Here's a general look at what you can expect leading up to, on, and after move-in day.
Before Move-In
In the weeks leading up to the move, a member of the Cedarhurst team will sit down with you and your family. Together, you'll walk through the move-in plan, talk about what matters most to you, and answer any questions, so everyone knows what to expect and can arrive feeling prepared.
Not sure what to ask? Explore “What to Expect When Moving Mom or Dad to a Senior Living Community.”
Move-In Day
Once you're settled in, you’ll be introduced to a resident ambassador who welcomes newcomers and shares what they love about life in the community. A Cedarhurst team member will also help you get comfortable in your new space, including details from learning how the technology and climate controls work to reviewing important safety procedures. Then, you’ll enjoy a meal in the dining room with your new neighbors to round out your first day.
Looking for more ways to make the big day go smoothly? Check out “Moving Day Tips: Moving Your Loved One into Senior Living.”
The Days That Follow
The next few days are all about discovering what community life has to offer. With your family member by your side, that might include welcome meals, guided tours, a visit to on-site amenities such as the salon or theater, and introductions to care team members. Each experience makes the community feel a little more familiar.
By the time your family heads home, you'll already be settling into your own routine. Depending on your needs, the stay may also be extended, so ask your community team about available options.
What Are the Benefits of Pair to Prepare?
The Pair to Prepare program sets the tone for how residents settle in, connect with others, and build a sense of community in the weeks and months that follow. The benefits can be just as strong for family members, too.
Benefits for Residents
When a familiar face is there to share in the experience, residents often tell us they feel more excitement and less apprehension about moving in, which makes the whole transition smoother.
With a family member close by for support, group programs and community activities can feel more inviting and approachable, opening the door to new friendships, interests, and routines. Residents often feel more comfortable walking into the dining room for the first time, where many friendships begin.
As Jerry, a Cedarhurst resident who had her granddaughter stay with her for the Pair to Prepare program, puts it: "I don't have to worry anymore."
"There's always something to do. It's clean. They have fantastic meals. They take care of you. There's nothing else I'm missing."
— Jerry, Cedarhurst resident and Pair to Prepare participant
Perhaps most importantly, Pair to Prepare helps prevent loneliness at a time when it can otherwise creep in. Staying connected to others is one of the best things people can do for their health. In fact, a major review of 148 studies found that people with strong social ties were 50 percent more likely to live longer than people with fewer connections. Making friends early on helps residents enjoy a healthy, happy life in their new community.
Benefits for Family Members
For family members, Pair to Prepare offers an inside look at daily life at Cedarhurst. Sharing meals, joining activities, and experiencing the community firsthand gives families a clearer sense of their spouse’s or parent’s new routine, making it easier to ask important questions later, during visits and over the phone.
Family members also meet team members and neighbors who will be part of community life going forward. These introductions build trust, so by the time they head home, everyone feels more comfortable with the move.
Cameron, Jerry's granddaughter, saw that difference firsthand: "If I wasn't here the first night, I don't think she would have been as comfortable as she is now."
After Move-In Day
Many senior living communities focus on move-in day. Cedarhurst focuses on the whole transition, including the weeks and months after the big day, because settling into a new community doesn't happen in a single afternoon. Pair to Prepare reflects Cedarhurst’s commitment to going beyond what families expect and creating a welcoming, personalized experience for every new resident.
Choosing senior living is one of life's biggest decisions. Cedarhurst never wants you to feel like you're experiencing it alone. Pair to Prepare is just one example of intentional care extended toward residents and their families at every step of their journey.
This post was originally published in October 2024 and updated in October 2026.
