For many people, moving into an assisted living community can be an incredibly stressful time of life. No one wants to think that they are too old to live on their own or that its time to leave their lifelong home. For some people, they may experience loneliness or even depression if the transition is particularly fraught. Thankfully, there are a few small steps that both family members and new residents can take to make the transition a little smoother. With the understanding that you might be about to take the next big step, Heidi’s Haven wants to help in whatever way we can. Keep reading to find out how you or your loved one can successfully transition into an assisted living community.
For the Family
Keep in Touch
For most people, one of the hardest parts of moving into an assisted living community is that they will no longer see their families as often. It’s easy to feel abandoned or neglected if weeks go by without hearing from children and grandchildren. That’s why you must stay in touch with your loved ones once they move into an assisted living community. Even if you cannot make time to stop by, no one is more than a phone call away. Make use of technology to set up face-to-face video chats so that grandma and grandpa can watch as the kids continue to grow.
Don’t Become a Helicopter Child
You’ve probably heard of a helicopter parent—someone who cannot let their children out of their sight. Try your best to avoid becoming a helicopter child. While it is important to stay in touch with your family after they’ve moved into an assisted living community, do not overdo it. If you are calling to check up multiple times a day, you may end up limiting your loved ones’ independence. During this transition time, it’s important that your loved ones can find their way; otherwise, they may end up without a social group. The key is striking a balance between staying in contact and giving them freedom.
Don’t Feel Too Guilty
Understandably, you might feel bad about putting your loved ones in an assisted living community, but you shouldn’t. With a community of similar people and constant care, you are giving your family member their best possible option. Rather than sitting at home, they will have a social group, regular meals, clean facilities, and medical treatment should they need it. Don’t look at an assisted living community as a last resort; look at it as a long-term vacation resort.
For New Residents
Make the Residence Yours
You will be living here, so make the space your own. Bring personal items such as pictures, knick-knacks, or anything with sentimental value. The goal is for you to have a comfortable and welcoming environment. Treat the space as your home because it is! The more you feel at home, the happier you will be. Feeling comfortable in a space is crucial for a smooth transition.
Make New Friends
You are not alone. After all, the whole point of an assisted living community is community. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, you will be surrounded by people your age. Make friends and find your group, and you’ll be happy to have made the move. It doesn’t take long to find the right crowd considering the number of social activities we offer. In no time, you’ll be having so much fun that you wouldn’t even consider going back to living on your own. You will still see your family, but you will also have a new family within the community.
Don’t Be Afraid
Heidi’s Haven understands that moving is a new and possibly terrifying experience. Do not be afraid to ask for help and seek answers to all of your questions. The staff is trained to be there for your every need, and you will even be surprised by how knowledgeable some of the other residents are. If you feel as if you are out of the loop, transitioning to the community will, of course, be difficult. We aim to keep you as knowledgeable and comfortable as possible.
Contact Us With Any Questions
If you or a loved one is worried about their transition, please do not hesitate to reach out to Heidi’s Haven. You can reach us at 352-787-3034, and we are more than ready to answer your questions. Don’t let this be a stressful time; we are here to help you and your loved ones through the transition.
