Moving to an Assisted Living community is a big step for an aging loved one, and it can bring on a lot of emotions that make settling into a new atmosphere difficult. Even though this is a tough transition for both you and your family member, there are a few steps you can take to help them feel more at home in a senior living community.
From starting the process with patience and positivity to encouraging them to explore their new community, read these 5 tips to ease the transition and help your loved one feel at home.
1. Handle downsizing with care
Downsizing is an arduous process for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for older adults. They’ve spent years accumulating precious possessions and creating a home that reflects their personality and interests, and the thought of letting go can feel overwhelming.
Downsizing can also bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about the future, which can make your loved one feel less in control of the situation. It’s important to involve them in as much of the process as possible, and reassure them they’re making an excellent decision for their well-being.
With your patience, support, and guidance, they’ll be able to work through downsizing with a positive attitude and look forward to their fresh start in Assisted Living.
2. Consider meaningful décor
No matter your age, home is a very personal place. It’s important to put a lot of care and attention into both how it looks — and feels.
Focus on décor that showcases the people, places, and memories that have made your loved one the happiest in their lifetime. Family portraits are a good starting point, but framed candid photos can transport your family member back in time to relive that moment again and again.
Choose art and other stylish décor that represents your loved one. For instance, if they have a passion for gardening, a painting of wildflowers could add a delightful pop of color to their new home. You can also find meaningful ways to display items for their hard-earned collections like framing concert tickets or placing vintage cameras on shelves.
3. Don’t replace everything
Many older adults need to downsize their beds before moving to Assisted Living, which often requires new bedding. However, your loved one might like to keep items like their cozy comforter and well-worn pillowcases. Before replacing certain items, ask your family member what they would like to do first.
Bedroom curtains are another item to consider keeping when your loved one moves into an Assisted Living apartment. Like their bedding, the same curtains can make their new room feel just like home. Just be sure to hem curtains that touch the floor to a shorter length, so they aren’t a tripping hazard.
Also think about keeping certain appliances or electronics like a small TV, radio or laptop, so your loved one can stay connected without having to learn how to operate something new. If they fit, their favorite armchair or loveseat can also help your family member feel comfortable in Assisted Living.
4. Make sure to bring the essentials
During the hustle and bustle of moving, personal items are often forgotten in the shuffle. It can be frustrating to make do with whatever personal products are around, which is why It’s important to bring along all the essentials your loved one uses regularly.
Personal hygiene and grooming supplies, a personal coffee maker and mugs, their favorite snacks, cleaning supplies, and other items are just as important (if not more) as décor. Having things like their favorite shampoo, perfume, and shaving products can give your loved one confidence in a new environment.
Keep a list of these items on hand, so you can conveniently replenish them while you’re out shopping for yourself or other members of your family. That way you’ll always be ready to provide your loved one with these little essentials that make a big difference in their life.
5. Help your loved one establish a routine
A daily routine provides a sense of reliable comfort that can help your loved one adjust to life in an Assisted Living community. At Friendship Village in St. Louis, our team provides just the right amount of personalized assistance to help them create a routine that helps them maintain their independence, schedule their day as they choose and live an enriched lifestyle.
Along with high-quality, personalized care, senior living communities at Friendship Village also feature engaging services and amenities, including:
- Libraries
- Spacious and well-appointed dining venues
- Bus outings to local attractions
- Abundant social and recreational activities
- Services to nurture spiritual wellness
You can gently encourage your loved one to explore our community and get to know their neighbors by visiting as often as they’d like. Having you around to boost their confidence can be just what they need to try new things, make new friends and settle into a vibrant lifestyle in Assisted Living
Discover a Welcoming Community and Exceptional Care at Friendship Village
Friendship Village Senior Living offers two faith-based, not-for-profit communities, both of which have been setting the standard for senior living in St. Louis, MO, for more than 40 years. To learn which of our beautiful locations – in Chesterfield and Sunset Hills – is right for you or your loved one, and to arrange a personal tour, contact Friendship Village online.