In any situation, it really takes time getting used to and getting settled in with a new home or job. The experience is more magnified for seniors who have decided to transfer into a senior living facility. It may take some time for a senior to get used to his or her new home, but it’s not a hopeless case. There are some challenges that may come along the way, but it’s really nothing that anyone can’t handle. It will take some getting used to but there are ways to make the transition easier for seniors.
If you are a senior who’s trying to get accustomed to your new home, here are a few tips on how you can do that easily.
Carefully assess the facility you will be moving to
Before anything, you have to make sure that the facility you are moving to will be a comfortable place for you. Since this will be your new home, you need to carefully pick out the facility and make sure they are in tune with what you need. Make sure to check out the different activities and amenities they offer in the home, as well as how cheerful the place feels. It is also important that you assess how well other people are being treated by staff. This is one way you can make sure that you are moving into a home that you can be comfortable in.
Don’t be shy to make new friends
Before you move to the senior facility, try to look for people who can be your new friends. There are some facilities wherein you may even stay a night or two before you make your decision, just so you can check out the facility, its amenities, services and the people who live there. This is a great way for you to meet people ahead of time and already have a bond with them. Once it’s time for your big move, you can make your transition easier since you already know someone familiar.
Find an activity you like
One of the good things about senior living communities is that they offer a number of activities for each of their guests to enjoy. The only trick is to look for one that you will like– whether it’s playing tennis, joining in on wine tastings, or even just watching movies. There is sure to be an activity you’ll enjoy being part of, since these communities offer plenty of different options for you to choose from. If you can’t find one, you may start your own or suggest a new activity. With these activities, you’ll be sure to find someone who shares the same interests as you have. And as tested through time, this can be a great way to easily get accustomed to a new home or workplace.
Eat in the dining room
The first time you step into the dining room of the living community, it may be a bit daunting. As a matter of fact, it might remind you of what it’s like on your first day in school. But as you’ve probably learned, the best way to be comfortable in such situations is to make new friends. And with everything else, you can easily make new friends over a meal. This is why it is encouraged that you dine with other people in the dining room. In doing so, you can make friends and get to know other people who share the same interest as you.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Know that it isn’t easy to make new friends and adjust to a new home. This is why you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself, especially when you have moved to a new home. In most cases, the unexpected events in life lead us to find new friends and rediscover ourselves. And for this, you have to learn to be patient when you’re having difficulty adjusting to the facility. You’ll get there. All it takes is that you just let yourself come out and everything else will follow.
If you are moving to a new facility, follow these tips so you can make your transition a lot easier. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you make by simply engaging the activities available in the facility. You’ll be able to make new friends much faster and get warmed up in your new home in no time.
Written by The Village Of Bedford Walk, a senior living community in Columbia, MO.