When your loved one has lived independently for many years, moving into an assisted living facility can be daunting. You want to do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition. Here are 5 tips for helping your loved one adjust to senior living.
1. Stay in touch
The fear of isolation is one reason why seniors are hesitant to move into an assisted living facility. They want to feel like they’re still part of society, even though they’ve moved out of their home. But don’t allow your elderly parents to become isolated and afraid of being alone. Make sure they know you’ll always be there for them.
Regular visits can reassure them of your love and care. If you live in the same area, make sure you visit often. Visiting regularly helps keep your relationship strong and gives you a chance to catch up on what’s happening in their lives.
And if you do find yourself feeling distant from your family member, reach out. Tell him or her how much you miss them and how much you appreciate everything they’ve done for you over the years. Remind them how important they are to you and how much you love them.
2. Add a personal touch to the new living space
One sure-shot way of assisting your elderly parents to adjust to the new environment and surroundings is by placing familiar items in their assisted living suite.
Encouraging your senior loved one to decide what he/she wants to keep and what he/she doesn’t want is another good idea. You can even ask him/her about the layout preference and let him/her choose the photos and keepsakes. If possible, involve your senior loved one in choosing the furniture arrangement and the placement of the items. This will enable him/her to feel comfortable in the new living space.
3. Connect with the staff
The staff at reputed assisted-living facilities take a lot of effort to make their seniors feel involved. They often go out of their way to cater to their specific healthcare and entertainment needs. But since your loved one is still getting used to his/her new surroundings, it’s important to meet the staff and talk about what makes your parent’s life comfortable. This will help you work together to address the little things that make their lives easier. When you visit the facility, don’t just walk around; meet the staff to understand the level of care being offered. This will help you communicate better with them and work together to improve the quality of care provided.
4. Include them in the decision-making
Including your loved ones in the selection process for their future care facility can make it easier for them to accept the idea of moving into an assisted living home. They will likely be less stressed out knowing that they are making decisions about where they want to live. This will give them a sense of control over their situation.
Bringing your loved one along to tour the homes you are considering will give them a chance to see firsthand what life will be like there. You might even consider bringing them along to the open houses. This way, they will know exactly what they are getting themselves into without having to worry about asking questions later.
5. Encourage socializing with fellow residents
If your loved one feels a strong sense of community with others at their assisted living facility, they may feel less anxiety about their situation. Assisted living homes often offer many different kinds of activities, including exercise classes, crafts, music lessons, and even trips out into the community. These are great ways to help your loved one make friends and connect with others while getting some much-needed physical activity.
Choose the Best Community for Your Loved One
The Gardens at Oasis is proud to be an independently owned and operated community with home-grown folks who care about you and getting to know you. The Gardens is a great place to retire, relax and really thrive. Give us a call today and let us show you our vibrant and caring community!
