Moving into an independent living community is often a major stressor in a senior’s life. The changes in environment, challenges in finding a suitable senior living community, hassle in packing and unpacking, and the sense of nostalgia when getting rid of personal belongings to get ready for the downsizing are just some of the factors that may contribute to the unpleasantness of moving. However, the experience of adjusting to independent living can be made more pleasant if family members help the seniors through the change. Here are some things that you can do for your loved ones when they are adjusting to independent living.
Acknowledge Their Loss
It is important to acknowledge the loss that your loved ones are facing when they give up their existing residence and move into an independent living community. If they have lived in their home for many years, the move would mean that they are leaving their friends, neighbors, and many personal belongings. Be understanding towards their feelings and perhaps take a few pictures of their home to bring with them to the independent living community. Be supportive and help them come to terms with parting ways with their neighborhood and home.
Get Ready for the Move
Many seniors dread packing and unpacking for their move. It is an emotional experience for them to go through the belongings and decide which to bring with them and which to discard. Help your loved ones with the sorting and pack their favorite belongings properly so that they can bring them to the independent living community. Ensure that any questions that they have about the moving process is answered ahead of time.
Help Them Settle Down
Family members are encouraged to help their loved ones in settling down in their new home. This includes unpacking, decorating, and helping them figure out how things in the home and community work. This can help the seniors feel more comfortable in their new home. Go around the community with your loved ones and have their first meal together so that they can adjust to the new environment with familiar faces. Let them know about the activities, events, and amenities available in the community so that they can look forward to them instead of looking back at what they left behind.
Allow Them to Thrive
After helping your loved ones settle down in the community, it is time to take a step back and allow them to thrive on their own. While it is comforting to visit them occasionally, it is also important for them to connect with the other residents and staff on their own.
Conservatory At North Austin Provides Support Every Step of the Way
If you are based in Austin and considering senior living options, look no further than Conservatory At North Austin. We provide concierge-level services and a wide selection of daily activities to keep our residents engaged and active (e.g., attending art classes, watching movies at the theater, taking part in our sing-a-longs, and much more). In addition, our resident ambassadors ensures that your transition to independent living is a smooth and enjoyable as possible. We organize and host new resident welcome parties where you can mingle with like-minded, warm, and friendly individuals over light appetizers and refreshments. Conservatory At North Austin wants all of our new residents to feel right at home.
Feel free to contact us today to learn more.
