If your senior loved one has difficulty completing basic tasks at home and you worry about their safety or if they are getting enough to eat, it may be time to consider an assisted living community. If your loved one is used to living independently in a home or apartment, the transition to an unfamiliar environment may be a challenge, especially at first. Here are a few ways to ensure they settle in as easily as possible.

3 Tips for Helping Your Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living

1. Choose the Right Community

It’s important to select an assisted living environment that will meet your loved one’s unique needs. For example, if your family member takes several medications every day, you should select a community that provides medication administration.

You should tour the premises in person or virtually before making your final decision. Look for an environment that’s clean, safe, and inviting. Pay attention to how the residents act and how the staff members treat them and each other.

2. Pack Personal Belongings

One way to help your loved one feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment is to surround them with belongings that hold meaning for them. Help them sort through their belongings and select items that they can bring with them, such as a blanket, photos, paintings, and family heirlooms. 

Once they’ve moved in, team up with them to decorate their new living space. Place items on shelves and tables to foster a sense of familiarity and home wherever possible.

3. Encourage Your Loved One to Socialize

Being in a new environment where you don’t know anyone can be difficult for anyone, and it’s often an even bigger adjustment for seniors. Encourage your loved one to talk to other residents and get involved in social events at the assisted living community. Most caretakers offer a variety of fun activities for residents, such as arts and crafts, exercise classes, card games, and scheduled outings.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.