Nobody likes being the new kid, or in our case, the new senior. Making a move to assisted living can bring on those same feelings you got on the first day of school. “I’m going to hate it.” “What if I don’t make any friends?” “I’m going to be all alone.” These are common thoughts everyone encounters. However, don’t let these thoughts keep you from moving forward. Adjusting to assisted living takes time, and is nothing to fear. Below we put together tips for seniors and their loved ones to help make adjusting to assisted living easier.
Tips for Seniors
Make Visits Before Moving In: You don’t have to enter blindly into an assisted living community. We urge you to visit the community you plan on moving into before moving into it. Getting familiar with the community, fellow residents, staff, and activities will help give you a leg up when you do move-in.
Make Yourself at Home: Bring your favorite pieces of furniture and put up photos of your family members. Decorate your apartment to your liking, and enjoy your space. But don’t stop there! Venture outside of your apartment. In addition, enjoy the amenities and activities the community offers.
Resident Ambassadors: If the community you move into has resident ambassadors take advantage of the time, they spend with you. These residents have lived at the community longer and can provide helpful insight and advice. In addition, resident ambassadors can also help new residents make friends and a better transition into the social life of the community.
Participate in Activities: Assisted living communities offer a variety of activities for residents to participate in daily. Find activities that you enjoy at the community and engage with others. Taking part in activities will allow you to meet others who share common interests and make more friends.
Invite Family & Friends Over: Don’t forget to invite your friends and family over for a visit. Common areas, private dining, and your apartment itself are great areas for entertaining guests from outside the community. Have a weekly bridge game or other activity? Invite your friends to come over!
Tips for Family Members
Encourage Your Loved One: It takes time to adjust to life in an assisted living community. Listen to what they’re experiencing and encourage them to participate in activities. They may not enjoy certain aspects of the community or the other residents, but don’t lose hope. Loneliness and homesickness are normal and will pass.
Visit Your Loved One: Be sure to give your loved one a little space in the first couple of weeks as they adjust to their new home and environment. However, as time passes make visits and share meals with your loved one. In addition, making regular visits will allow your loved one to feel cared for by you.
Take Your Loved One Out: Depending on your loved one’s ability of independence, they may still drive and can venture outside the community on their own. The activities director will also provide opportunities for activities or shopping outside the community. However, if your loved one needs more support, or even if they don’t, taking them on trips outside the community can be a fun affair. It’s a great opportunity to make special memories too.
Keep Up Communication with Your Loved One & Staff: Staying in contact with your loved one is important. Check in with how they are, how things are going, and what activities they love. Stay in touch with the staff regarding your loved one too. Since they interact and care for your loved one daily, they can offer insight that your loved one may overlook.
We're Here For You & Your Loved One
Adjusting to assisted living takes time. Don’t stress if your loved one isn’t settled right away. It can be expected. At Renaissance Villages, we are dedicated to creating great days for our residents. Our staff, in conjunction with our Resident Ambassadors, come alongside new residents in making sure they feel at home. We encourage you to stop by the community and experience the Renaissance Lifestyle for yourself.
