Change is difficult in any stage of life, but it can be a special challenge for seniors who are transitioning from independent housing to assisted living. If you’ve made the decision to move your parent into a retirement community, they may seem upset or depressed. This new living arrangement can improve your loved one’s quality of life through socialization and a safe living environment, but the key is to ease the transition so that they’ll soon realize this. Here’s a closer look at some ways you can help your parent feel more comfortable. 

How to Make the Transition to Assisted Living Easier

1. Visit Often

As your parent settles in, visit them as often as you can to help them acclimate to the new environment. Spend quality time with them and let them know you still love them. It’s understandable that some seniors may experience feelings of abandonment and resentment about their perceived inability to live alone. Your continued presence shows them that while they live somewhere new, your relationship is still as strong as ever. 

2. Emphasize Amenities

You can also help your parent transition into assisted living by pointing out the many benefits that the facility has to offer. Make sure your loved one knows about the trained staff available to help them and the delicious meals available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Without the responsibility of caring for their home or doing daily chores, your parent can focus on activities that bring them enjoyment—talking with others, playing the piano, reading, exercising, and exploring new hobbies. 

3. Encourage Activities

Perhaps the best thing you can do is encourage your parent to get involved in activities and social events at their new home. Studies show that high levels of socialization in seniors actually help increase their life span while decreasing depression exacerbated by isolation and loneliness. Assisted living facilities offer exercise classes, recreational outings, socialization hours, and other activities that help seniors bond and make new connections with each other. 

If you’re searching for the ideal assisted living facility for your parent, turn to the professionals at The Mann House. For more than 30 years, this retirement home has been a fixture in the community, providing care, entertainment, and plenty of activities for their senior residents. With two locations in Metro Atlanta, GA, they pride themselves on compassion and the highest level of care. To learn more about their services, visit their website. Call (404) 250-9300 in Sandy Springs or (770) 844-9055 in Cumming to speak to a friendly representative. They stand by their motto: “We’re so proud of the care we provide that we put our name on it. The Mann House, loving care from our family to yours.”