If you have a loved one who’s moving to a senior living community, you’re not alone. At this point, more than two million retirees in America have chosen communities like these, and that number is expected to grow moving forward. Senior living communities cater to a variety of needs, and several types of communities are available. That gives retirees a range of choices and enables them to find an option that best suits their expectations.
Still, moving can be a stressful experience. It can be particularly difficult for seniors who’ve spent their entire lives living independently. Transitioning to senior living may bring about several changes in your loved one’s daily routine, not to mention the difficulties that come with being in an unfamiliar place and surrounded by people they don’t know. If your loved one is moving to The Sarah Community, the following measures can help them adapt to life in senior living.
Include Your Loved One in the Process
One of the most effective ways to ease the stress of moving to senior living is to include your loved one in every step of the process. That applies to making the decision to move to a senior living community and which community you choose. Keep them abreast of their move-in date and other factors. Take them to the community and let them explore it firsthand before they actually move in. Involve them in packing, decorating their new home, and other relevant activities. The more included and in control your loved one feels, the less stressful the move will be.
Bring Along Familiar Items
Many apartments and villas in senior living communities come fully furnished, so there may be no need to bring along furniture and appliances. Even if you’ll be doing the furnishing and decorating, your loved one will most likely need to downsize before moving. Either way, they may have to leave behind belongings they’ve spent an entire lifetime collecting.
Still, as mentioned, being surrounded by unfamiliar items can certainly make a space feel less like home. Be sure to allow your loved one to bring something familiar whether it’s a favorite recliner, much-loved knickknacks, or family photos. They’ll help make your loved one feel more at ease and more at home.
Keep in Touch
Another crucial measure is keeping in touch after the move. If your loved one is already stressed and nervous about moving to a new place and leaving behind the home they’re accustomed to, the thought of being separated from friends and relatives is only going to make matters worse. Many seniors fear that their loved ones will abandon them once they move into senior living. They’ve probably even seen it happen to friends or family members in the past. Don’t feed those fears. Visit your loved one as often as possible. If you can’t come in person, call them frequently.
Seeing Your Loved One Through a Seamless Transition
Moving can be a trying experience for anyone, but it’s often particularly difficult for seniors. Finding a senior living community that can truly meet your loved one’s needs and expectations will go a long way toward making the transition less stressful. At the same time, including your loved one in every step of the process, bringing along familiar items, and staying in touch after the move will further ease the apprehension and help them to better adapt to senior living.
