Relocating is an exciting experience when we’re young. For seniors, however, it is more exhausting and challenging. In fact, it’s upsetting and discouraging for everyone involved when their older loved one has to relocate.
Seniors who can no longer handle the emotional and physical strain of a traditional home often choose to downsize to a retirement community instead. While this is a very difficult decision to make, there are some ways you can help your loved one adjust to this new phase in their life.
Help with Setting Up and Settling In
Don’t forget to bring plenty of pictures, souvenirs, and keepsakes to decorate the walls and surfaces of the assisted living community. This will be your loved one’s new living space, so it should be a place that they like spending time in. Include mementos of their own friends and family, such as art made by their grandchildren or snapshots from a family gathering.
You can also take your parent’s shopping so they can pick out any essentials or extras they want to have in their new space. Consider bringing a few games, such as board games or electronic devices, to store in the room for visiting grandchildren to enjoy.
Get Them Involved in Community Activities
Independent living retirement communities often host various many programs and activities. This is one of the reasons why many seniors look forward to joining a community of like-minded older adults – they feel a sense of belonging and purpose.
Life enrichment activities like exercise, art, and social gatherings for seniors help them engage and become more socially active with their neighbors. As a caregiver, it is important to help your loved ones adapt to their new environment by encouraging them to participate in community activities.
Keeping in Contact is Especially Important
The first few weeks or months of moving into a new place can be stressful, and your loved ones might feel lonely. Make sure you stay in touch with them through frequent visits, video calls, text messages, and social media.
Remember to ask how things are going for them and how they feel about the community. Talk about their experiences, the people they’ve met, and the activities they’ve participated in. Similarly, make sure to keep them up to date on your recent activities and share photos and stories of your family.
Ask Trusted Local Advisors to Help
Putting a loved one in an senior care home may be unnerving for many families, but it might be the only way to keep them safe and healthy. Adjusting to a senior living community isn’t easy but finding the right community can make the transition a lot smoother.
Next Level Senior Advisors can guide you to the best living arrangement for you and your loved ones so that they can enjoy assisted or independent retirement living in Oklahoma. Just tell us your loved one’s lifestyle, health requirements, and financial situation, and leave the rest to us. Give us a call right away to get started on stress-free senior living.
