When a parent or another older relative needs to transition to an assisted living facility, it can be a difficult and highly emotional time for everyone involved. Whether your family member is looking forward to being in a caring community or worried about losing their independence, approaching the situation with compassion and patience will help them better adjust to the new environment.
If you want to help your loved one smoothly transition into assisted living, there are three important things you can do:
- Maintain open communication. As people grow older, they often worry about the loss of personal autonomy and freedom, so it’s vital to include them in every step of the plan. Listen to their preferences, needs, and concerns, help them find answers to their questions, and allow them to make decisions about their next chapter of life wherever possible.
- Make their space feel like home. When your loved one moves from their old home to an assisted living facility, it can feel uncomfortable without the familiarity of their personal belongings, furniture, and decorations. Make sure to pack up your loved one’s favorite pieces from the home and help customize their new space to make the transition a little easier.
- Encourage them to socialize with others. It can be hard for anyone to adjust to a new living situation, especially if they had previously lived in the same house for decades. Gently encourage your loved one to participate in activities, attend social events, and make friends with other residents who share similar interests.
