Moving to an assisted living community is a positive decision. But it can also be a significant life transition, not only for your loved one but for you and your family. Even with the promise of a better quality of life, there may still be hesitation about leaving home.
It’s important to understand, however, that home is not just a physical place. It’s wherever we are safe, comfortable and connected. The benefits of assisted living will help your loved one feel at home by providing physical and emotional support, opportunities to make new friends and encouragement to become an active part of the community.
If you and your loved one are considering the advantages of an assisted living community, the following tips will simplify the process and create a welcome home environment.
Helping Your Loved One Feel at Home in Assisted Living
Consider these suggestions when planning for the move.
Tip #1: Personalize Their Space
Help your loved one adjust to assisted living by creating a familiar living environment. After choosing the right community and residence together, the next step is to transform the apartment into their home.
- Bring Familiar Items: Include cherished possessions like favorite throws, family photos and treasured collectibles. These items can not only evoke happy memories but will make the space feel more familiar.
- Add Personal Touches: Include favorite colors, furniture or artwork that reflects their personality and style. Help them create a home that is comfortable and inviting.
- Recreate Familiar Settings: Another tip is to set up the space in a way that is familiar. This can also be reassuring as they become more familiar with their new home. An example might include bringing the same bed and bedside table with their favorite comforter.
Tip #2: Encourage Social Engagement
Assisted living communities will help your loved one feel at home with many opportunities for social interaction. Participation makes it easier for residents to build connections. In the first few days, join them if it would help in breaking the ice.
- Attend Activities Together: Accompany your loved one to a few community events or activities to help them get acquainted with others.
- Meet the Neighbors: Encourage introductions to other residents. A friendly face can make all the difference when living in a new place.
- Join Clubs or Groups: Whether it’s a book club, gardening group or fitness class, helping your loved one find and share their interests can foster new friendships.
Tip #3: Respect and Encourage Their Independence
While you want to be supportive, it’s important to encourage your loved one to maintain their independence. Persuade them to become active members of the community while supporting their personal choices to connect.
- Remember to Ask: To help your loved one feel at home in assisted living, ask how they would like to decorate their apartment. You can also discuss what activities they might wish to try or the type of daily schedule they’d prefer.
- Encourage Self-Care: Be there for any help they might need but support them in managing their own daily routines as much as possible.
- Be Patient: Give them time to adjust to their new environment and respect their ways for building relationships and adapting to change. This is a big transition, and everyone moves at their own pace.
Tip #4: Stay Connected
Older adults may initially worry they’ll be forgotten if they move into a community. While your loved one will be creating new relationships with the residents and staff, it is also important to encourage family and friends to continue to maintain strong connections.
- Visit Regularly: Plan regular in-person visits to spend quality time together. Think ahead of activities to share or consider attending community family events.
- Use Technology: Video calls, emails and photo-sharing apps make it so easy today to keep everyone connected, no matter the distance.
- Send Letters and Gifts: A handwritten letter or a small gift can brighten your loved one’s day and remind them they are loved.
Tip #5: Be Mindful of Emotional Needs
Moving can bring many emotions to the surface—from excitement to anxiety. Another way to help your loved one feel well cared for and at home in assisted living is to be aware of their emotional well-being.
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: Listen to any concerns and validate their emotions without judgment. Be empathetic to their situation and respect their feelings.
- Provide Reassurance: Remind them of the positive aspects of the move, such as the new friendships, delicious dining, support services available and the relief from homeowner responsibilities.
- Seek Help if Needed: If your loved one is struggling with the transition, speak with the staff for their insight and suggestions. They have helped many residents create their home in the community.
Tip #6: Familiarize Yourself with the Community
Getting to know the assisted living community can help families better support their loved ones.
Stay Involved: Participate in family meetings, events and community activities to stay connected.
Meet the Staff: Build relationships with the caregivers and staff members who will be interacting with your loved one daily.
Understand the Amenities: Learn about the available services and amenities so you can encourage your loved one to take advantage of them.
Assisted Living at Presbyterian Village North
We believe in empowering residents to live life on their own terms, regardless of age or abilities. Our Assisted Living neighborhood is designed to help you or your loved one maintain a sense of independence and autonomy while receiving the individualized support needed to thrive. With a focus on preserving dignity, our trained professionals provide assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming and medication management, all while encouraging social engagement and personal growth.
Our community offers a range of services to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable, including restaurant-style dining, wellness programs and a monthly calendar of social and cultural activities.
With a nurse onsite 24/7 and a variety of spacious and thoughtfully designed residences to choose from, Presbyterian Village North is the perfect place to find peace of mind and enhanced quality of life.
Reach out today by calling (800) 400-4130 to learn more about how we can provide the care and support you or your loved one needs, all within a vibrant, caring community.