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Moving into an assisted living facility is a big life change for a senior; like all major life changes, there is usually a period of adjustment necessary before a person feels comfortable. To make this transition easier, below are three tips to help a loved one settle into a senior living facility.

How to Help a Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living

1. Make Their Room as Homelike as Possible

Your loved one's room is their new home, so it should feel like one. Include as many items as possible from their previous home to create a comforting environment. Hang artwork on the walls and display framed photographs. Cover the bed with a quilt and decorative pillows, and add a couple of comfortable chairs for sitting and conversation. Consider buying indoor plants as well—they have natural mood-boosting properties. Familiar items will make an unfamiliar assisted living space easier to adjust to.

2. Encourage Socialization

assisted livingIsolation is one of the primary challenges that elderly people face. Now that your loved one is in a community with similarly-aged people, urge them to take advantage of the new opportunities for socialization. Check out the calendar of upcoming events together and identify a few things they may be interested in. Also, introduce your loved one to their new neighbors and staff members. The greater sense of community your loved one feels, the quicker they will adapt to their new normal.

3. Support Their Independence

To counteract a loss of independence, be proactive in helping your loved one exert their own autonomy. If they are still able to safely drive, encourage them to get out and about. If they need rides, set up a regular schedule where you will stop by and take them where they need to go. If there are certain activities they used to enjoy in their own homes, like baking, crafting, or exercising, ensure they have access to the tools that will allow them to continue these pursuits.

 

Assisted living may require a period of adjustment, but with proper support, your loved one will soon be flourishing in their new home. Inglewood Residential Care Apartments provides senior apartments to residents of Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities. For more than 45 years, they have been offering safe and comfortable spaces for seniors to thrive. Call (608) 437-9647 or visit their website to schedule a tour today.

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