Although change is inevitable, it is also difficult to accept and adapt to changes. Many of us don’t want to accept change. This is especially true for seniors who move from their homes into assisted living communities.
Many seniors over 60 are not open to change because they fear that they will be isolated and are uncertain of the impact on their lives.
Some seniors, on the other hand, are more open to change and adapting to their new surroundings. It is exciting to be able to move into a new place, do social activities, and enjoy hobbies.
Regardless of the reason, senior parents may find it difficult to adjust to the new community for the first few days or even months.
It is important to spend time with your senior loved ones and to offer them support, encouragement, and positive reassurance to help them adjust to their new life.
These are some tips to ease the transition of your senior parent to assisted living
1. Keep in touch
Seniors are reluctant to move into assisted living facilities because of their fear of being isolated.
Do not allow your senior parent to feel isolated and abandoned in an assisted living facility. You can make sure they are surrounded by your support and love through regular visits.
You can introduce predictability to your visits. You can, for example, set aside Saturdays in your weekly calendar to spend time with your senior loved ones.
Technology can be a great tool if you have a busy work schedule. Skype and Whatsapp can be used to communicate with others, no matter where they are located.
To ease the transition, be there for your senior parent. Stay with your senior parent for a few days to ease the transition.
2. Give an empathetic ear
Many seniors feel abandoned, inadequate, afraid of the unknown, and lose their dignity and independence when they move to assisted living. It is normal for seniors to feel isolated and distraught during the first few months of senior living.
During this phase, keep in touch with your parents.
Listen to what they have to say, even if there is a lot of negativity. Do not trivialize the situation by saying things such as “It’s just an episode”, “It’s not as bad a you make it seem,” or “You are being negative.” Instead, listen to them and offer solutions to help them adapt to their new environment.
Encourage seniors to take part in social and other activities organized by the assisted-living facility. Many assisted living facilities are reputed for offering a variety of activities for seniors. They also welcome volunteers to assist with community work.
Many facilities allow residents to take on roles such as running the library or answering phones. Increasing their social activities will increase their wellbeing and help them see that this new life is not as difficult as they thought.
Sometimes, it is a good idea to bring a friend, a neighbor, or another family member with you to help lighten the mood and make your senior parent feel loved.
Keep the communication lines open. It doesn’t matter if your parent seems well taken care of, it is important to be there until they fully understand the situation. In some cases, this may take longer than you expected.
Listen! Let your parents express their feelings. It will help them to adjust to this new lifestyle and provide them with greater happiness in the future.
3. Be cautious not to be too protective
Senior independence is important because it fosters a sense purpose and achievement. This increases their self-worth, and improves their emotional well-being.
This is exactly what assisted living facilities encourage. These facilities offer personalized care while protecting your senior’s privacy and independence.
While you might be worried about your parent’s ability for adjustment, don’t be too protective.
While you can give them the necessary care and attention, it is best to not hold onto them. This will make your senior more dependent on you and prevent them from adapting to their new environment.
4. Personalize your new living space
You can help your elderly parent adjust to their new environment by placing familiar objects and keepsakes inside their assisted living apartment or suite.
If your parent is used to reading the Bible and other books at their bedside, you can do the same in their new space.
Encourage seniors to talk about their preferences in layout and let them make the final decisions regarding their apartment decor.
Ask them for their opinions on furniture arrangements and choosing pictures and keepsakes. Assist them in setting up the space, but ensure it is safe and functional.
The best way to make them feel at home is to recreate their home environment.
5. Get in touch with our staff
Reputable assisted living community in Myrtle Beach make it a priority to ensure that their seniors feel included. Many go above and beyond to meet their entertainment and health needs.
It’s important to talk to the staff about your senior’s needs, as they are still adapting to their new home. It will make sure that your parents are provided with all the necessities that make their lives comfortable.
Meet the staff when you visit the facility to learn more about your parent’s adjustment. You can then work together to make your senior feel more at home in the facility.
Your parent has been there for your every need, good and bad. It’s now your job to make the transition smooth for them as they move into assisted living.
The first few days in an assisted living community will be difficult. These tips will help you to make your senior parent feel at home in their new home.
Call now if you are looking for a great assisted living community in Myrtle Beach.
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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/
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