Although assisted living communities offer seniors the chance to remain independent, it is not always easy to transition from your home to assisted living.
It can be difficult and even traumatizing to leave behind a home and neighborhood with many fond memories. However, there are ways you can help one or both parents ease the transition into this new phase.
Ways For Easier Transition To Assisted Living
1. SWITCH UP YOUR DECOR
Although assisted living in Myrtle Beach is often beautifully furnished, it is possible for seniors to feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar decor. You can make your parent feel more at home in the new apartment by providing familiar objects.
To promote a home-like atmosphere, some assisted living communities even allow families to bring their own furniture. If custom furniture is not an option, personal touches like framed photos, cherished knickknacks, and books can add a sense of home to new surroundings. You might also consider artwork, personal door signs, drawings from grandkids, and a favorite blanket to drape over the bed.
2. RETHINK VISITS
It’s easy for someone to say “I’ll be there soon.” You can schedule specific visits with Mom and Dad to ensure they have a familiar face they look forward to seeing. Encourage family, friends, and former neighbors to do so.
It can be much easier for seniors to transition to assisted living if they know that they won’t cut off any ties to their lives. It allows your parents to socialize and participate in community activities without worrying about missing a loved one.
3. PROMOTE PARTICIPATION
The many activities that seniors can participate in while in an assisted living facility are just one perk. The best senior communities emphasize the importance of participation. Your parents are likely to have many hobbies to choose from, such as arts and crafts, bingo, volunteering opportunities and cultural outings.
These activities encourage social connections which are so important during this transition. Some activities could enhance motor skills, as well as keep the mind of seniors sharp. Grab an event calendar and make sure that your parent is aware of what the community has to share. Encourage participation.
4. ENCOURAGE LEARNING
Encourage your parents to learn new skills to ease the transition between lifestyles. Experts believe that learning new skills, developing hidden talents, and increasing knowledge can all increase the level of emotional satisfaction for older adults. Brightview offers regular classes and programs to help our seniors.
For information on seminars that are available to caregivers and family members, check the assisted living facility where your parents live. These seminars can provide valuable information that may help you or your parent.
5. HANG A CALENDAR
When transitioning parents into senior living, calendars are a great tool. You can remind your parents to fill it with family birthdays, scheduled visits, and other special events.
For a quick reminder of the opportunities they have in their new community, make sure you include interesting community activities such as bingo, fitness classes, or religious services.
6. PLUG IN TO GET A BETTER CONNECTION
It doesn’t matter if it’s a tablet, a smartphone, or a tablet, you need to ensure that your parent can keep in touch with you, even if they don’t live close enough.
Video conferencing is a modern technology that allows parents to see familiar faces and keep in touch with their friends. To make your parent feel at home, there’s nothing better than seeing grandkids face-to-face.
7. GIVE PARENTS INDEPENDENCE
It is important to keep in touch with your parents during assisted living transitions, but it’s equally important that you give them the freedom to create their lives in their new home.
Encourage your parents not to rely on you but to turn to the community for help. Many programs have activities coordinators and affiliated clergy members who can answer questions and offer encouragement to help you transition to a new and exciting way of living.
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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest wants to make your parent’s transition into senior living as easy and comfortable as possible. Contact Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest to learn more about our communities or explore them.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/
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