When a loved one has made the decision that they cannot, or simply no longer want to, live independently in their own home and cope with the seemingly endless number of chores and obligations which inevitably come along with it, the most sensible and rewarding decision is to choose to move into a senior living facility.
With that in mind, continue reading to learn how to ease the transition to senior living facilities for a family member, close friend or other loved one.
Use Positive Language
Upon first thought, this point may seem far too obvious, but in actual fact you are likely unaware of the natural nuances and emphasis you use when discussing the move with your loved one.
Use positive association and motivating language when sitting down with your older relative and planning and organizing the step-by-step guide to the move, and always address any worries or concerns they may have immediately and with a wholly positive spin.
Encourage Involvement In Activities & Community Events
Generally, the quicker a new resident becomes acclimatized to their new surroundings and home, the happier and more content they will feel, and a huge part of feeling comfortable in an environment is making social connections as soon as possible.
Naturally, for the first couple of days, one must take into consideration the supreme emotional upheaval your loved one will be experiencing, but in the first few weeks, encourage them as much as possible to start reaching out to both staff and their new neighbors.
Brandywine senior living communities pride themselves on their active, varied and ever-changing activity program and strive to hold regular community events with the aim of integrating each and every one of their residents, only to the level at which they are happy to do so.
Pack As Many Personal Belongings As Possible
Especially in the first few weeks and months of living in their new home, you elderly loved one will feel just like the proverbial fish out of water and may even start to withdraw into themselves due to everything around them seeming alien and unfamiliar.
A fantastic way to remind your loved one of their connections to their home, their family and friends and indeed themselves, is to surround your loved one’s new home with family photographs, treasured ornaments and nick-nacks and other sentimental items.
Afford Them As Much Control As Possible
Ultimately, the only person that matters in this situation, in terms of their physical safety and well being as well as their emotional health, is the person who is moving to assisted living.
It would be logical, therefore, to ensure that your loved one feels totally and utterly in control in every aspect of the move, even if, to begin with at least, they were not proverbially onboard with the idea of moving.
The transition will be smoother and far less troublesome in terms of stress and worry levels in both parties if your loved one feels as in control of every aspect of the move as they possibly can.
