An assisted living facility can provide the ideal living arrangement for a senior who is able to function independently but needs some assistance with daily living tasks. Freedom from worry about things like home maintenance, security issues and safety concerns can be liberating. But the process of transitioning from the familiarity of a private home to the new world of an assisted living community can be challenging. Here are five ways you can help a loved one adjust to an assisted living lifestyle.
1. Get Your Loved One Involved
Allow your loved one to be involved in finding a facility that is right for his or her circumstances. If you are looking at options for assisted living, take your loved one along for unannounced visits to communities that might be a good fit. Visit during mealtime and observe group activities so that your loved one has the opportunity to meet some of the residents. You’ll both know when you find the place that feels “right.”
2. Join In
Most assisted living facilities offer daily planned activities for their residents. Soon after arriving, look over the activity calendar with your loved one. Select several activities that the two of you can attend together during the first few weeks. This process will give your loved one confidence to discover new interests, make new friends and establish a rewarding routine in his or her new community.
3. Make It Feel Like Home
This is your loved one’s new home, so do whatever you can to make it feel familiar and comfortable. Favorite furniture pieces, photos, artwork, books and knick-knacks can go a long way in easing the anxiety of being in a new place. You can get moving advice from many of the facilities that offer assisted living in Plymouth MI .
4. Plan Outside Activities
Make a point of scheduling some outside excursions for the months ahead. Plan to take your loved one out to a favorite restaurant once a week, or schedule a trip to the zoo this month and a museum next month. Looking forward to these events can help him or her feel that life is still “normal.”
5. Get To Know the Staff
It is critical that you and your loved one find staff members that you like and trust. Try to find kind, friendly caregivers from each shift who will check on your loved one regularly. This will give you and your loved one peace of mind and make it easier for you to keep up with how things are going, even if you are far away.
Partnering with your loved one to find a community that meets his or her needs will pave the way for a smooth transition to assisted living. Once there, you can help your loved one find new friends, fun activities and a caring staff. Before you know it, your loved one will feel right at home.