For both seniors and, secondarily, their caregivers, the process of moving into a senior living facility can be a stressful one. Beyond the rigors of the actual move itself, there are often concerns over leaving a longtime home and separating from the kind of senior-caregiver connection that’s often been a foundation of life for many years.
At Avamere at Mountain Ridge, our caring assisted living staff are here to help with what we know can be a difficult transition into our nursing home programs. For many seniors and their caregivers, the truly difficult part of this process comes after the move is complete – what next? Here are some general tips both seniors and caregivers can consider for helping life stay fulfilling and engaging after a move into a new retirement home setting.
Visitation Schedule
For starters, one of the immediate tasks is managing the social transition. If a senior is simply placed in a new facility and then left alone by friends and family from the jump, issues like loneliness and struggles to adjust will be commonplace.
Rather, once the unpacking and settling process is finished, sit down as a senior-caregiver duo and set up a visitation schedule and calendar for the first month or so. If you’re a caregiver with a loved one who struggles with cell phones or other communication, reach out to certain family or friends to schedule them a time to visit. Separate visits enough that there aren’t prolonged periods where no one is around to visit – this gives seniors something to look forward to during the earliest and often most difficult parts of the transition.
Participation and Involvement
Our senior living facilities maintain a wide range of programs and activities for seniors, and one great way to live a fun and fulfilling life is to participate in those that interest you. These events are designed for those with varying interests and hobbies, so virtually all seniors should be able to find something they enjoy.
For caregivers whose senior loved ones are reluctant to participate in activities, it may help for you to be present and join in yourself. This can be especially beneficial soon after their move, when they’re still making friends and getting the lay of the land, so to speak.
Build a Relationship With Staff
Finally, caregivers building a strong relationship with the staff who will be attending to their loved one on a regular basis is a vital factor. Our staff is happy to liaise with caregivers and keep them abreast of their care, and we incorporate caregiver suggestions or previous care themes into our programs to ensure your loved one is as comfortable as possible. This is particularly important during the early stages of their care as we ensure this comfort and health.
For more on ensuring seniors and caregivers adjust to a move to a senior living facility, or for more on any of our assisted living services or memory care programs, contact the staff with Avamere at Mountain Ridge today.