If you are considering putting a parent in an assisted living community, you may be wondering what you can expect from the transition. Here are some common things that you may see during the first week or few weeks of assisted living.
A Bit of Homesickness is Natural
First, you may expect to see some homesickness or confusion in the first weeks of assisted living. Changing living situations can be stressful or disorienting for anyone. This is a crucial time to show your parent that the assisted living facility will be a comfortable home full of supportive people. Your assisted living staff should be doing all they can do begin forming a relationship with your parent and helping them to become familiar with other residents. These social connections can help to ease the transition. Another thing that can help you curb homesickness is to provide familiar items in the assisted living home. Bring in decorations from your parent's old home, or provide them with familiar comforts such as the Sunday paper.
Parents May Need to Be Encouraged to Use Services
Another thing that you may see is a parent who is reluctant to take advantage of services in your assisted living community. Although your parent may cherish their independence, using services such as transportation, help with daily activities, and running errands is one of the major pluses of an assisted living community. You may want to go over the services available to your parent often during the first few weeks and encourage them to sign up for as much as possible.
Staff Should Help Form a Routine
You can also expect that your parent may have trouble forming a routine in their new home once taken out of a comfortable space. Your assisted living staff should be on hand to provide schedules of activities and services in the facility, which you and the staff should review with your parent to find a new routine that works.
Expect to Spend Time Forging the Connection
In short, know that while assisted living may be a great fit for your parent in the long run, you may have to spend some effort in the first week or two to help them get adjusted. You might want to make more visits during this time until your parent feels comfortable in the facility; having a visitor each day can help to remind your parent that they are safe and cared for. And in this time, you can help them to take advantage of the opportunities that make assisted living a great housing option.
For more information, contact a company like Orchard Park.
Share3 June 2016
After I realized that my mom couldn't live on her own anymore, I started shopping for the right assisted living center. It was challenging and she was nervous about making the transition, but I knew that it would be in her best interest. After finding an incredible senior center, I moved her in and she actually started to enjoy the experience. This blog is all about helping your elderly loved ones to settle in, enjoy their time in senior living, and make the most of their new lives. You never know, by making the right decisions, your parents could enjoy a happier, healthier life.
