Seniors who can no longer take care of themselves and remain independent need a community that meets all their needs. The transition from independent living to moving into a community could become difficult for elderly people and make them feel like they are losing their freedom. Families can review tips for helping them ease their elderly loved one’s worries and give them the peace of mind they need to move into these communities.
Assess the Senior’s Needs and Have a Family Discussion
Conducting a family meeting with the aging parent and important family members helps everyone get on the same page. They must start by discussing what is available to the residents in an assisted living community and how these opportunities help the parent. If they’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the senior needs further help at later stages than their family can manage on their own, and the parent will need 24-hour nursing care. Keeping the aging parent involved in these discussions helps them transition smoother because they feel like they are choosing their next home and aren’t losing control over their own lives.
Help the Senior Downsize and Manage Their Household Items
After an aging parent receives a devastating diagnosis, the family must help their loved one downsize and prepare for this new transition in their lives. Even if the family home is well-organized, a senior needs help to go through everything and make choices about what to keep and what to give away. They cannot bring everything they own to the senior community, and the family might need to set up storage for some items. Seniors may want to go ahead and give some items to their loved ones instead of adding these treasures to their will, and they can adjust to a more minimalistic lifestyle.
Try a Short Visit to See If They Like the Community
Before the senior reaches the late stages of dementia, there is an opportunity for respite care during which the person remains in the assisted living community for up to 30 days. These visits allow them to see if the community meets their needs and is the best place for them when they can no longer take care of themselves or live independently. Typically, when elderly individual needs help with ADLs, they need a nurse in their home to help them each day, and they can qualify for respite care to either give their caregiver a break or find a community for the future.
Decorate Their Living Space Like Their Original Home
Recreating a favorite living space in the senior’s family home could make them more comfortable and relaxed in their new living space. Senior communities allow residents to decorate their homes however they want, and if the family can make their space look like home, the elderly resident enjoys their time in the community more. In assisted living in Redding, CA, the residents get private living spaces that aren’t shared with others, and they are able to create their own homes in these spaces.
Show the Senior What Activities Are Available
Senior communities offer a full calendar of events for everyone, and these events give residents a chance to make new friends and confidantes. How easy it is for the residents to make friends can define how happy they are in the community. Friendly faces help aging seniors improve their quality of life. Communities host game nights, social mixers, and even picnics for everyone. Seniors who enjoy community events will love these experiences.
Help Them Make New Friends
If a senior is a little hesitant to talk to people in the community, their loved ones can help with these transitions. Senior communities open their doors to the residents’ family members, and everyone is welcome to attend the gatherings. If loved ones talk to people in the community, they can encourage their parents to talk to others, too. Connections within the communities stop seniors from feeling isolated and lonely.
Keep Them Involved With Friends Outside the Community
Residents that have friends outside the community need to maintain these connections. Family members can work together with their loved one’s friends and companions outside of the community and keep them connected. Seniors should never feel like they’ve lost important people in their lives just because of where they live.
Terrific Homes for Seniors
At Sundial Assisted Living, we provide wonderful homes for seniors who need help with ADLs and are facing challenges with these new transitions in life. Our staff members are friendly, kind, and compassionate toward all residents and make them feel comfortable and happy. Find out more about our community by arranging a private tour.