5 Tips for Helping Your Senior Adjust to Their New Senior Living Community
Most of us do not LOVE our new home when we first move in. We might like our new location; we might like many things about our new situation, but it takes a while for our new place to feel like HOME and to be comfortable.
This is certainly true when a Senior first moves into their new Senor Living Community.
There are many new people, systems, customs and areas to learn and get use to. The first few weeks and even first couple of months will be the most difficult. However, the positives far outweigh the challenges. To help with this transition, below I’ve put together 5 tips for Seniors and their loved ones as they adapt and acclimate to their new home in a Senior Living Community.
1) Make your new apartment feel like your space.
Fill your new digs with your favorite things and maybe even a few new pieces. Hang artwork that you love, use blankets and bedding that are comfortable and enjoyable, place photos and mementos of friends and family and use furniture that is comfortable and inviting to you. Make sure that you don’t over fill your new space as you will want it to be easy and safe to maneuver through, especially if you need adaptive equipment for daily life.
2) Seek out information on the customs and norms of your new community.
Often times communities will have an Ambassador that will “show you the ropes” when you first move in. This individual(s) is a volunteer resident who helps to guild new residents as they learn things such as how to schedule transportation, use the beaty/barber shop, mealtime schedules/menus, and social activities. Take full advantage of this service as it will be very helpful as well as being a great way to meet new people and make friends.
3) Remain connected to your friends and community.
It is highly recommended to remain connected to your friends, family and community even though you have moved into a new community of people. Family and friends need to make it a priority to visit and take the senior out and about as much as is safe for the Senior. Making phone calls, texts and FaceTime connections are equally as important.
If it is safe, go to concerts, religious services, family gatherings and more. Often your new community can transport you to such events, but make sure you get your need on the transportations schedule early.
4) Take full advantage of the services your new Senior Living Community has to offer.
Make genuine effort to attend social activities and meals as well as care and medical services offered. You are paying a premium to have socialization and care. You will want to use all the services that are appropriate to your individual needs.
5) Most importantly – Be Positive.
Even though this is a difficult transition a positive outlook and attitude will make all the difference in your personal satisfaction and comfort. Perhaps write down 2 good things every day and make it a goal to attend 2 social events a week as well as greet and get to know 2 new residents or staff weekly.
