What Role Do You Play?
Courtesy RidgeView Assisted Living & MeadowView Memory Care Village, Linn County LIVING WELL MAGAZINE
When elders move into an assisted living facility, the lack of familiarity with both environment and the other residents can be quite intimidating, it is important to fully understand the roles involved in helping your parent feel comfortable in their new home.
Here are a few things you can do to help make the transition easier:
Keep an open mind
It may take anywhere from 30-60 days for them to make the adjustment. The move into assisted living requires change that are very difficult for seniors. Success is more likely if they understand and prepare for the move ahead of time.
Socialize
There is nothing worse than for a new resident to spend the day holed up in their apartment. Making acquaintances and friends can make all the difference in the world. In addition, research shows that social engagement helps slow signs of dementia.
What is the family’s role when an elderly parent moves to assisted living?
Don’t feel guilty! Family members often feel guilt about transitioning loved ones in to assisted living. Guilt will do no good because the move was ultimately for the best. If a family member feels guilt, they should remember that the move to assisted living will benefit their parent’s health, safety, wellbeing and quality of life.
Keep in touch
The family plays a vital role in their aging parent’s successful transition to assisted living. Continue to participate in your parents’ lives as usual. When you’re not able to keep in contact follow-up with the assisted living staff.
Don’t hold their hand too much
Although it is important to visit and/or call to monitor the status of the transition, family members that visit too often can inhibit some of the senior’s independence. Spending time with family is important, but if all the seniors’ time during the transition period is spent with family, they will not be making new friends and getting involved in the community like they should. As a result, give them space to adjust to their new home.
The assisted living staff also plays a key role in the new resident’s adjustment. Helping the new resident feel at home is really the only way to ensure a successful adjustment.
Angie McClure is the director of community relations and senior expert for RidgeView Assisted Living & MeadowView Memory Care Village. Follow her on Twitter: #SrExpert
