Helping your loved one move to a senior living community can feel like a difficult task. From finding their new home, to packing up and settling in, it can take many steps to get there. Thankfully, there is a lot you can do before, during, and after their move to ease the process and lend a hand as they transition to senior living. Here’s how to help a loved one adjust to senior living — and how San Marino Retirement Community in Westminster, CO, can support you both.
Plan Early & Involve Them in the Process
When it comes to broaching the topic of senior living with your parent or loved one, sooner is better. Adjusting to retirement is both an emotional and physical process, and it’s important to not rush seniors to make a decision. Make the conversation a dialogue, and be sure to hear their concerns. What anxieties does your loved one have? Are they worried about losing their independence? Do they feel overwhelmed by the concept of a large life change?
Help them focus on the benefits of moving to a senior living community: a more robust social life, access to support services so they can age-in-place, and actually more independence as they are able to build a lifestyle customized to their abilities.
When planning for senior living, it’s also important to involve seniors in choosing their new home. Do they want to live close to family? Are there any specific amenities, like a fitness center, that they would like? What kind of community culture would they enjoy? Involve them in the research process, and encourage them to tour communities and explore. By giving them a voice in this big decision for their life, you help your loved one retain a sense of self-agency and control.
Help with Moving and Settling In
Moving can be a stressful time for anyone, but especially when it comes to transitioning to senior living. Taking your time with this change and downsizing in steps can help with both organizing belongings and processing emotions. Take rooms one at a time and consider which items they would like to bring with them, and which they can donate or throw away. Consider the amenities they will have at their new home. They may not need exercise equipment if there is a fitness center on-site. How big will their kitchen be? Perhaps some kitchen gadgets can be left behind.
When moving your parent, visit their new apartment before move-in day to help them visualize the space and get excited for their new residence. Help them consider how they would like to arrange the new space. What personal items can they bring with to help the new space feel like home? Bring photographs, artwork, favorite linens, and other sentimental or special belongings to help them settle in, and feel comfortable in their own space.
Getting To Know Their Community
Wondering how to help a loved one adjust to senior living? Communities like San Marino Retirement Community have a broad range of resources, activities, and events so your loved one can connect with their new community and feel at home. Encourage them to join a club that they know they’ll enjoy. Art classes, special interest groups, or group exercise classes are all great options. On-site activities will help them both get to know their community and make connections with their neighbors.
The staff and volunteers at senior living communities are also a great resource when adjusting to senior living. They can help residents get involved, explore the variety of amenities available, and recommend activities they may enjoy. Support staff can also regularly check in with your loved one, allowing you to take a step back while giving your parent more independence.
Checking In On Your Parent
While you want to offer your parent or loved one support as they are adjusting to assisted living or independent living, it’s also crucial to give both them and yourself space to adjust. Visiting too often can prevent your parent from becoming involved in their community and adjusting to their new schedule. If you have been their primary care giver until now, it can feel hard to step back. However, it’s important that you have faith in their new support system, and give yourself reprieve to keep from feeling burnt out.
Make sure to keep up regular contact and visits, and of course check in on your loved one both as they adjust and after. Strike a balance with being supportive and there for them — but not hovering.
San Marino Is Here To Help
Moving to senior living can seem like a daunting process, especially when it concerns your parent or loved one. That’s why at San Marino Retirement Community in Westminster, CO, we’re here to help every step of the way. Contact us to find out more about our community, schedule a tour, and learn how we can support your loved one in their independent or assisted living transition.