Change is a constant, yet it can be not easy to accept it and adjust to it. Because of this, many of us aren’t adaptable. This is especially true when senior individuals leave the comfort of their homes and move into an assisted living community. Most seniors resist this transition because they worry about being alone and don’t know what the future holds. On the other hand, a few older citizens take to it right away and work to fit into the new setting. Living in a new retirement community, becoming socially involved, and engaging in hobbies excite them. In either case, your loved one may find it challenging to adjust over the first few days or months in the new neighborhood.
Consequently, it’s crucial to take a few steps to make sure they integrate into the community easily. Many assisted living communities these days have team members who will go out of their way to ensure that all new guests feel at home in as short a time as possible. They are usually trained to do this based on the individual’s needs. However, there are things that you can also do to make the transition to assisted living more comfortable for your loved one. Some of the major elements you should focus on include the following:
Keep In Touch
One of the main reasons why seniors are reluctant to move into an assisted living facility is their fear of loneliness. Avoid allowing your loved one to experience loneliness and abandonment while residing in an assisted living facility. They can feel your affection and support if you give them frequent visits. If you share a city, try to go as often as possible. Bring consistency to your visits. For instance, reserve a Saturday each week to spend the day with a loved one or friend. Make use of technology if your job schedule is demanding. No matter where you are, you may stay in touch using video calls.
Stay by your loved one both during and after the transition, and you will be guaranteed that they will have a much better quality of life.
Avoid Clinginess Or Being Overprotective
Senior independence must be preserved because it fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This improves their emotional health and sense of self-worth. The lifestyle that assisted living facilities encourage is just that. They provide individualized care services while protecting your senior’s autonomy and privacy. Despite your worries about your parents’ adaptability, try not to be overly protective of them. Offer the essential and appropriate care, but avoid gripping their hands. Doing this will make your senior more reliant on you and hinder them from adjusting to their new surroundings. If you have chosen an excellent senior living community, you will have nothing to worry about.
Lend An Empathetic Ear
Transitioning to an assisted living facility is frequently accompanied by conflicting emotions such as abandonment, inadequacy, dread of the future, and loss of independence and dignity. During their initial few months at an assisted living facility, it’s normal for your senior to feel depressed and lonely. Throughout this early period, get in touch with your parent frequently.
Even if what they have to say is mostly bad, listen to it all patiently. By stating things like, “It’s simply a phase,” or “You are being negative,” don’t trivialize the matter. Instead, listen to their concerns and present options that will make it easier for them to adapt to their new surroundings. Encourage them to take part in the social and recreational events that the assisted living facility hosts.
