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7 Tips to Easily Adjust into Senior Living

7 Tips to Easily Adjust into Senior Living

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adjusting to senior living

Introduction

Moving to Senior Living, whether it is Independent or Assisted Living, can be a huge transition. It is a move that can be fraught with worry about what the experience will be like. If you think about it, there is probably no other time in someone’s life when such a move occurs. Most people live in their own homes their entire lives. A move to congregate living is not unlike a move to a dorm!

Different senior goes through the transition to senior homes differently. For some, the whole environment changes to something unknown and new. And for others, life becomes busier. You might find the rooms, people, and food to be completely new and different. Thus, adjusting to the new life at an old age can become overwhelming.

Apart from the obvious ones like food, environment, and new people, many other factors bring fear to the seniors when they move to senior living. To cope with the situation, they need support and expert guidance. If you are one of them who recently shifted to a new senior community, we have just the right tips and strategies for you to adjust to the new life.

10 Common Fears about Moving to Senior Living

Change, like the unknown, is frightening irrespective of age. While your parent’s move to a senior living community is a major issue, it also brings up a lot of feelings in you. Many seniors value the advantages of senior living. Yet not everyone is aware of the services provided by these communities. Like any significant life decision, moving to a retirement home comes with its own set of concerns. Let’s take a look at the most typical.

1. Fear of losing independence

Many people assume that moving into a senior living home is equal to trading out their independence. This isn’t true, fortunately.

Independent living allows seniors to enjoy their own apartment without the need for assistance unless they require it later. Senior living is all about assisting elders at different phases of their lives. As a result, the services provided range from basic cleaning to extensive restoration. Seniors in senior housing will never be given assistance that they do not require, and they will never be coddled or infantilized.

2. Fear of becoming old faster

Many people believe that relocating to a senior living home will make them “aged,” yet this is generally not the case. It is entirely feasible to look and feel younger than ever while simultaneously enjoying the greater ease, social activity, and free time that a senior living community provides, thanks to the activities available at these facilities and the individualized care inherent in the structure of these facilities.

Senior living communities aren’t a death trap for the elderly; instead, they’re a tool to improve a senior’s overall quality of life.

3. Concern of becoming inactive

One of the most common concerns among older people who are considering independent or assisted living is losing their freedom. But that is not true at all. Most senior living communities will give you more opportunities to stay active and self-sufficient.

Your parent can do what he or she enjoys and socialize with others by participating in various everyday activities. He’ll be able to keep driving if he still wants to. If not, your parent(s) will be able to remain independent by using the new community’s transportation.

4. Fear of running out of money

It’s not cheap to live in a beautiful senior community, especially if you require nursing home level care. First, take a realistic look at your assets. Add up your pensions, Social Security payments, the expected profit from the sale of your property, and your present retirement assets and bank accounts.

If money is an issue, you should look into all of your senior home possibilities. Finally, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from, each with its own price range. You can also discover that the expense of living in a community is comparable to staying at home.

5. Fear of being forgotten

Most seniors in assisted living actually find it simpler to interact with and keep in touch with friends and family once they are free of the restrictions of maintaining a home, cooking, grocery shopping, paying bills, and other responsibilities. Friends and family are encouraged to visit, and most assisted living places make it simple for them to do so.

6. Concern about insufficient care

Understanding the various possibilities will help you ensure that your parent receives the best possible care. First, consult your loved one’s doctor for advice on his or her health and the assistance that may be required. Then, begin looking for communities that suit those needs from there.

This AARP guide may be helpful if you’re unclear about what each level of care entails. Bring a list of questions with you when you’re looking at neighborhoods. You’ll then be able to compare how they handle prescriptions, safety, activity, and nutrition.

7. Fear of missing the old place and life

If you’re concerned about your parent’s move to senior housing, seek advice from their neighborhood. They might have ideas that have worked for other locals. While the transition may be difficult, most seniors will quickly make new friends and participate in new activities.

Furthermore, in his or her new house, dad or mom is more likely to feel safe and less lonely. Staying in the family home might lead to isolation, which can be avoided by senior housing.

8. Fear of feeling lonely and bored

Loneliness is the most irrational of all worries. As you become older, your circle of friends and acquaintances tends to get smaller. Many elderly people who are still living at home feel lonely; however, living in a senior community expands your social circle. While many seniors are concerned about being bored in a senior care facility, speaking with residents demonstrates that this isn’t a genuine concern. Senior living communities value their inhabitants’ enjoyment, so they provide so many activities.

9. Fear of family and friends not visiting anymore

While many seniors fear that their friends and family will forget about them once they move into a senior care facility, the contrary is frequently true. The truth is that seniors in assisted living facilities generally have more free time and spend it with their friends and family. Furthermore, many senior living communities host special family days to encourage children, siblings, and other family members to visit and join in exciting activities.

10. Fear of giving up the old life and preferences

Many seniors are concerned that residing in a senior living facility will require them to give up their capacity to decorate or manage their houses. While assistance is offered to those who require it, the goal of a senior living facility is not to take away a senior’s personality or flair. Instead, seniors are encouraged to personalize their living spaces and keep doing the things they enjoy.

7 Strategies to Adjust Easily in Senior Living

Moving to a new place is inherently uncomfortable.  However, knowing what to expect and being mentally and emotionally prepared can enormously assist the change. Here are some suggestions to get you started if you’ve newly relocated to senior living and are searching for ways to get involved and make the most of this new season.

1. Adapt to the new kid in school feeling

It can be quite intimidating to be a fresh and new face in a community. You might end up feeling like a new kid in the school. However, it can also imply an exorbitant level of attention, with staff and residents eager to meet you and asking numerous (and sometimes redundant) questions. Paying attention to your energy levels when socializing can be really beneficial, particularly during this period of transition.

If you begin to feel overwhelmed or fatigued, it’s totally acceptable. We advise that you take some time to yourself, and this is a perfect moment to discreetly excuse yourself to sit or lie down in a quiet location.

2. Learn about the surroundings

Your everyday activities may not alter, but the manner in which you carry them out will. Allow plenty of time to acclimate and understand the lay of the land, including the corridors and levels, the grounds, and the surrounding area.

Finding someone to accompany you on a tour of the building or a drive around the neighborhood could be a relaxing and safe approach to getting to know your surroundings. It’s critical to enlist the assistance of either a staff member or a long-term resident who is familiar with the area and can point out all of the safety precautions.

3. Allow yourself enough time

It can be a significant adjustment to move into senior housing. When adjusting to a new environment, take your time. Instead of focusing on ‘getting through it,’ appreciate the journey. Every day, take small measures to make your new senior living facility feel more like home by doing small things. Unpacking your boxes, decorating your new flat, and unpacking should all be done at your leisure. Please enlist the assistance of family and friends in unpacking. As you unpack, you may discover that you like reliving old memories and perhaps making new ones with family members.

4. Keep track of the activities

To get connected, contact your neighborhood’s manager. There are some activities for each assisted living resident in their activity calendar. You’re bound to discover something that piques your interest, from gardening clubs to travel clubs to reading clubs to gastronomic organizations. Examine the weekly calendar and resolve to participate in at least one group activity each week. You can discover a new interest or a lasting hobby if you try something new.

5. Create a routine

Make it a priority to attend your favorite activities regularly once you’ve discovered a few. Attending social gatherings on a regular basis will help you learn more about the people in your group. Make a vow to yourself to attend a few clubs or events. Also, make a note of it in your planner or calendar, then show up with courage.

6. Plan get-togethers with family and friends

With family members by your side, everything is better. Invite a family member or trusted friend to accompany you if you are too afraid to try anything new on your lonesome. They’ll almost certainly want to see your home, and you’ll enjoy taking them into your new neighborhood. It is sometimes simpler to converse with strangers than to converse with someone you know. Inviting them to stay for dinner and make new friends with you is a great way to start.

7. Don’t forget to enjoy your hobbies

You don’t have to give up your favorite pastimes just because you’ve moved to a new location. Maintaining a sense of regularity and consistency in your daily, weekly, or monthly activities can help. Residents at Era Living have the freedom to come and go with a safety checkout, allowing them to retain and adjust their schedules, explore new locations and activities, and continue doing the things they enjoy. Hobbies for seniors may also help them find new activity partners, continuing your work with a local branch of a beloved organization, or discovering new opportunities to volunteer.

Senior hobbies

Senior hobbies

Personal Stories of Transitioning to Senior Living

Here are a few personal testimonials from individuals who have transitioned to senior living, highlighting their fears and adjustments:

Testimonial 1: Mary J.

Background: Mary is a 72-year-old former teacher who moved to a senior living community after her husband passed away.

Fears: “I was terrified of losing my independence and thought I’d feel trapped in a new place.”

Adjustment: “To my surprise, I found a lot of activities and new friends. I started volunteering in the community garden and discovered that I actually enjoy meeting new people. I’ve made friends who understand what I’m going through.”

Testimonial 2: Robert L.

Background: Robert, 80, decided to move to senior living after realizing he could no longer maintain his home.

Fears: “I feared I would feel lonely and that my family wouldn’t visit me. Leaving my longtime home was daunting.”

Adjustment: “At first, it was an adjustment, but I quickly joined a book club and a walking group. Now, I look forward to the weekly family dinners we host in the community dining room. My children visit often, and it’s actually brought us closer.”

Testimonial 3: Linda K.

Background: Linda is a 65-year-old widow who moved to a senior living facility for access to better care after health issues.

Fears: “I worried about how I would adapt to losing my old life and ghosting my old friends.”

Adjustment: “The staff were incredibly supportive, helping me adjust to my new environment. I embraced my hobbies and even started a knitting circle, which has been wonderful. I still connect with my old friends through video calls, and they’ve even come to visit!”

Testimonial 4: George T.

Background: George, 78, made the move to senior living to be closer to his daughter.

Fears: “I was anxious about running out of money and not receiving proper care.”

Adjustment: “I learned about the financial options available and found peace of mind knowing I could manage my expenses. The care staff here are amazing—they check in on me regularly. My worries faded once I realized how supportive the community is.”

Conclusion

When making the decision to move into a senior living community, it is important to keep in mind that it may take some time to adjust. Get involved in the community, take advantage of the resources and amenities, stay active, and stay connected with your loved ones. And always remember, there are always staff members available to assist you with anything they need!

To motivate yourself, make daily, weekly, and monthly goals. It could be something as simple as picking up a new hobby, enrolling in a new exercise class, or simply stepping across the hall to meet a new neighbor. Small, consistent measures will help you acclimate to your new senior residence over time.

BoomersHub has local experts to guide you through the decision-making process in finding the best community to meet your unique needs. Our advisors and partners will help you select the most fitted senior living community for you. And BoomersHub resource will guide you to a smoother transition into the new life.

FAQs

How to adjust to senior independent living? 

To adjust to senior independent living, try the following tips: 

    • Take some time to relax and reflect on your new situation 

    • Get involved with your new community and socialize 

    • Keep in touch with your family and friends 

    • Stay physically active 

    • Pick up a new hobby or continue with an old one 

    • Stay connected with your doctor and other healthcare providers 

Can I move into a senior living community? 

Yes, you can move into a senior living community. Senior living communities offer a variety of services and amenities to meet the needs of their residents. They provide a safe and supportive environment for seniors who are looking for a place to live that is comfortable and convenient. However, each senior facility has some policies and rules that you must adhere to. 

How often do seniors move into assisted living? 

The frequency of seniors moving into assisted living depends on a number of factors, including the overall health and well-being of the individual, as well as the availability of suitable care facilities in their local area. In general, however, it is estimated that around 2% of the total older adults live in assisted living in the USA. 

How to downsize for senior living move? 

Here are some downsizing tips for seniors who are planning to move to senior living: 

    • Take your time and plan ahead 

    • Start by sorting through your belongings and get rid of unnecessary items first 

    • Get a floor plan of your senior facility and decide what and how much would fit there 

    • Label your boxes clearly 

    • Sell or donate any items you don’t want to take with you 

    • Allow friends and family to help you out 

    • Be prepared to feel emotional 

Why move to senior living? 

There are many reasons to consider a move to senior living. Perhaps you need more assistance with day-to-day activities, or you’re looking for social and recreational opportunities. Maybe you’re no longer comfortable living on your own, or you’re finding it difficult to manage your medication and appointments. 


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