Making the transition to assisted living isn’t always easy. Your older loved one may resist at first, and you may even find yourself in various conflicts. This is because there can be a lot of mixed feelings about leaving their long-time home and transitioning to assisted living.
As their family member, you play a vital role in helping them adjust and accept their new way of living. Here are some of the best tips for helping your older loved one adjust to their new living environment.
Include Them in Decision Making
One of the biggest sources of conflict surrounding transitioning to assisted living is that older loved ones often feel like they’re being forced into something they didn’t choose. Including them in the decision-making process can provide them with a sense of control and allow them to feel validated. When they feel like their personal preferences and opinions are valued, it makes the transition much smoother with far less resistance.
Visit Regularly
It’s important that you visit regularly so that they don’t feel abandoned or forgotten. This is especially important within the first few months. Create a schedule so that they know exactly when you’re planning on visiting and they can look forward to spending time together. The simple act of you being around will help them get used to their new living environment and create a sense of familiarity because you’re there.
Add a Personal Touch to The Décor
It’s easy to feel lost and confused in a new living environment when you’re so used to living somewhere for so long. Adding a personal touch to the decor like artwork from their previous home or family photos can help your loved one feel more comforted. By adding a sense of continuity to their living space they’ll feel less homesick with reminders of their previous home.
Encourage Attending Social Events
There are all sorts of social events that are scheduled in assisted living facilities. These events can help your loved one make connections with other residents and ultimately avoid feelings of isolation. Encourage your loved one to attend as many events as possible even though they may initially resist. Participating in social events is critical for building new friendships and connections and giving them a sense of purpose and belonging in their new living environment.
Communicate
Communication is key in any situation in life, however, it’s particularly important during difficult times. Maintain open communication with your loved one and regularly check in on how they’re feeling. Provide them a space to be open with their feelings and provide consistent support.
Furthermore, it’s important that you also stay in communication with the staff so that they can keep you up to date with any developments or important information regarding your loved one’s transition.
Originally posted on August 24, 2023 @ 2:51 pm
