When the time comes to transition you or your loved one into a senior living community, there will inevitably be a million thoughts and worries before and throughout the transition period. But there is no need to stress! Chances are, after allowing yourself a little while to adjust, you will find yourself happy and comfortable in your new community. In the meantime, here are some tips from seniorlivingmag.com on how to make that adjustment period the best it can be.
- Give yourself time. It is unreasonable to expect that you will immediately feel comfortable in a new place, especially in the very beginning. The first few days of living in a new place will probably feel awkward and uncomfortable… but that’s okay! According to seniorlivingmag.com, a minimum of three months is normally what it takes to feel truly adjusted, although sometimes that time can be much shorter!
- Keep a good attitude. Attitude is can make or break any experience. Think positive – see this transition as an opportunity for good change to happen! Senior living communities can offer so much to their residents, from healthy, delicious meals served daily without the hassle of cooking to the atmosphere of friendship and community among the residents. After adjusting to life in a new place, many seniors ask themselves, “Why didn’t we do this earlier?”
- Make connections. Friends can help put anyone at ease in new situations. Rather than worrying about whether or not you will “fit in”, look for opportunities to join in on social activities, or strike up a conversation with one of your fellow residents at the dinner table. Building a social bond with the people near to you will help you to feel connected and comfortable in the community, even if you are still figuring it all out.
We hope that these tips help you or your loved one as you begin adjusting into life at a senior living community. If you haven’t begun your search yet for a senior living community, let us help! At Tealridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, we offer a beautiful community to meet your specific retirement living needs. Contact us here.
