Tips to Ease Seniors’ Transition into Assisted Living

Most senior adults aged 65 and above would prefer to age at home, surrounded by an environment they are used to. Unfortunately, this isn’t a feasible option, especially if their needs increasingly become demanding due to age and rising health issues. The number of seniors moving into long-term care facilities is currently higher than ever because of the increasing aging population.

Moving to Longhouse or any other assisted living facility is a major change in the life of your aging loved one. However, family members and staff of the facility can ease the transition of the aging senior into their new home. Below are a few tips to ease the transition.

1. Choose the Right Facility

While several assisted living facilities are available countrywide, not all offer equal services. You should research extensively to find a facility that suits your senior adults’ unique needs. Before moving your loved one, you should raise any concerns you may have with the administration and facility staff.

You should also review specific facility rules before making the final decision. For instance, if you prefer bringing most items from home or preparing your own meals, ensure that the facility permits it. If the facility feels cold and sterile, chances are your aging loved one won’t enjoy their stay.

2. Acknowledge Their Thoughts and Feelings

The lack of familiarity with assisted living facilities and the new environment can be intimidating to most seniors. Most people take between 30 and 90 days to adapt to these changes, making this time a crucial period for family members and staff to help them adjust. Regardless of how much you prepared them for the move into an assisted living facility, they will always have some fears and apprehensions.

You should leverage various social circles for maximum support, be it family members, friends, online resources, or spiritual guides. Encourage seniors to open up about their fears to overcome them.

3. Visit them Actively

A common concern for most seniors moving into nursing homes and assisted living facilities is being isolated or abandoned. Even after placing your aging adult into a long-term care facility, you should continually make them feel loved and wanted. You should schedule regular visits from the beginning as they adjust to the new home.

Regular visits are also beneficial to family members and seniors alike. Being separated from your loving parents or grandparents is tough, especially if you’ve grown up by their side. Visiting regularly also makes it easy to monitor the quality and level of care offered in the facility.

4. Encourage Your Senior Adult to Engage in the New Community

Encouraging your senior adult to engage actively with other residents in their new home eases transition and helps them thrive positively. New environments are challenging and intimidating to everyone. However, making proactive efforts to become part of the community through various activities, such as sharing meals and socializing, lessens stress and makes it easy to adjust to the new environment.

Endnote

According to experts who are familiar with senior care issues with as long term care essentials clinical assessment, most senior adults struggle before adjusting to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This can make it difficult for them to improve their general living conditions. Fortunately, the tips mentioned above can help your senior adult adjust quickly. Evidently, it requires cooperation from family members and staff in the facility.