It is not a secret that older adults tend to have a more difficult time getting used to new environments. If they are thrust into an unfamiliar place without being eased into it, there is a high chance that they can become anxious, and stressed out and see a general decline in their mental health. As such, it is only natural to be concerned for a loved one who has just recently moved into a senior apartment living in Lawrence, IN. The key concern most have is how long it would take for their loved ones to adjust to the community and whether there are ways to help them cope better. We are here to tell you not to worry! While the adjustment period can be lengthy, there are definitely ways to make your loved ones more comfortable.
How Long Will It Take?
Most of you are here because you want to know how long it will take for your loved one to adjust to a new environment, so let us get to the point. Experts think that it can an average of 3 to 6 months for most older adults to fully adjust to their move and become conformable in their environment.
At Rittenhouse Village At Northside, we are well aware of the challenges that may arise from moving into a retirement community. It is undoubtedly a significant change from what your loved one may be used to, so we promise to do our utmost to ensure to make this transition as comfortable, safe, and stress-free as possible. Nonetheless, nothing beats the familiarity that comes from friends and family, so the following are some of the ways you can help ease your loved ones into their new homes.
Visit, Visit, Visit!
Amidst our busy lives, it is easy to forget that the bond we share with our loved ones may be one of the greatest sources of comfort they have when they are in a new environment. Residents in retirement communities are prone to bouts of loneliness and feelings of abandonment which, if left unaddressed, can spiral into anxiety and depression. As such, it is essential that you visit them as frequently as possible to keep them company and remind them that they are loved and cared for. Be sure to encourage both friends and family to do the same. Being surrounded by their loved ones will undoubtedly do wonders for their mental health.
That being said, it is important to set some boundaries and manage expectations. While it is great that their mental health is improving due to your presence, it is important to encourage your loved one to venture outside of their apartment and make friends with their neighbors. If they isolate themselves and rely only on you or other family members as sources of social interaction, they may become isolated within the community, further exacerbating the apprehension of their new home and prolonging their adjustment period. Moderation is key!
Add Personal Touches
Like any moving process, personalizing your new space will help it feel more like home. While assisted living apartments may be smaller than what your loved one is using, there is still plenty of space to add some personal touches. Whether it is hanging up pictures of loved ones and important moments or bringing their favorite rug for the living room, decorating the new space with well-loved items from their previous home will help make it more familiar and associate it with happy memories.
Patience is Key
As stated, it typically can take up to 6 months for residents to fully adjust to life in the assisted living community. Hence, you need to have realistic expectations for the process. There is no telling how difficult and stressful the move will be for your loved one, so the last thing you should do is attempt to rush the process along. Try to keep an upbeat attitude, even if your loved one seems sullen or uninterested. Who knows, maybe your positivity will encourage them!
