Transitioning from a loving and warm home to an unfamiliar place can be stressful for anyone. This is exactly what senior citizens go through when getting used to a senior home. Therefore, it is important to show empathy and make the transition smooth and stress-free for them. Here are a few useful tips to help your loved one adapt and thrive in a new living situation:
1. Personalize the New Space
One of the most efficient ways to make your loved one feel familiar with the new environment of assisted living is to allow them to bring a selection of their personal belongings. This can include photos, personal furniture, etc.Â
This can help them feel more familiar and comforted when transitioning to a completely new place. Other than this, encourage your loved one to decorate their new room. In fact, if possible, help them decorate their new space.Â
2. Keep Familiar Routines Intact
Transitioning to an elderly home can be a little difficult for your loved one because it’s very different from living at home with private caregivers. If not done correctly, it can disrupt their daily routines making them feel depressed and lonely. Encourage them to stay consistent with meal timings, rest, and activities.Â
If they’re used to visits from family and friends on a specific day, try your best to maintain those visits. A sense of routine and familiarity helps increase normalcy and security. Following the same established routine can help the new place feel like home and reduce anxiety by easing the transition.
3. Encourage New Social Connections
Shifting to an unknown and new environment from the comfort of your home can be scary. It can make one feel lonely and isolated. Therefore, it is essential to form new social connections with fellow residents. For this, you must encourage them to actively participate in group gatherings and activities.Â
A lot of senior homes have staff and activity directors who are responsible for arranging fun activities to engage the residents. These activities are not just about having fun; they help the elderly form a supportive bond with their fellows. If your loved one has a specific hobby or activity they love, make sure to tell the staff to arrange it for them every once in a while.
4. Address Their Concerns
Even the finest senior homes can present some challenges for your loved one. Make sure to be available for them and listen to any concerns they may have. If they feel lonely, try to increase your visits. If they feel they don’t have enough storage space for their belongings, offer to rent a storage space. Even if their concern seems small to you, it can make a lot of difference for them. So make sure to listen attentively.
5. Visit OftenÂ
Though senior living can make your loved one feel comfortable and cared for, it’s not a substitute for a loving family. Especially in the early days of the move to the senior living community. However, frequent visits from family and friends can help make the transition much easier. So try to take out time and visit your loved one often. The more you visit, the more at home they will feel.
