Once seniors are no longer safe living on their own, there are options for residential communities. Making the transition to residing in an assisted living community can be stressful. Although the new environment requires acclimation, the process does not have to be difficult.
Signs it is Time for Residential Care
Making the decision it is time for residential care is difficult for everyone involved. No one wants to see their parents’ cognitive decline and feel helpless to intervene. The following offers some signs it may be time to consider a residential care setting for a senior.
- Seniors may seem uncomfortable with their present living conditions. Seniors often get lonely because they are stuck at home more and can no longer socialize as much as they once did.
- When seniors want more independence, they often do not realize they can find it in a residential care setting. Instead of spending time on household chores, they can focus on fun and exciting activities.
- If living alone is becoming dangerous for seniors, it is time to consider the options for residential care. In these communities, seniors will have access to monitoring services and helpful staff to keep them safe.
- Many seniors move to residential care communities because they long for companionship. Loneliness can cause seniors to experience mental and physical declines. Moving into a community offers an enriching social experience.
- When seniors begin experiencing mental and physical health declines, they may need more care than can be provided while they live alone. Staff members in residential care communities offer extensive services, including medication reminders, health management, and assistance with doctors’ appointments.
If children discover the above, it may be time to broach the subject of moving into senior care communities. Conversations about assisted living are not always easy. It is essential children speak with their parents in an understanding way.
The offer information on the benefits, including more independence and the many amenities. Once seniors agree to move into a residential care community, children need to proceed carefully with helping in the transition process.
Strategies to Ease the Stress
Moving a parent to an assisted living community requires patience and understanding. Children need to realize their parents are giving up their normal lives and moving into the unknown. Although these communities are enriching, safe, and fun, the stress seniors feel moving in should not be ignored. The following tips will help ease the stress during the transition process.
- Children should give their parents time to grow accustomed to the move. Moving into memory care living is a big transition, and anyone would need time to adjust, especially the elderly who may be suffering from cognitive declines.
- Some seniors do well with frequent family visits and calls within the first two weeks. Others may do better if they are left alone to grow accustomed to their new surroundings and fellow residents. Children will need to decide what is best for their parents. Always try to be available for an encouraging phone call.
- It is going to take multiple family members to help with the transition. Placing the entire burden on one person can be challenging. Getting other family members involved in visits and phone calls will take the burden off the shoulders of stressed children.
- Some seniors become confused when moving into assisted living in Manvel, TX. Seniors may ask about going home and may not mean their last residence. It is important children prepare themselves for bouts of confusion that may be stressful to witness. These behaviors are normal and should pass quickly.
- One of the worst things children of elderly parents can do is to gloss over the difficult parts. Although it is essential children paint the new community in a positive light, they should not overlook their parents’ fears and concerns. Sugar-coating the transition process is not helpful and could cause further stress for seniors.
- Seniors do better moving into a new community when surrounded by the familiar. It is essential children ensure their parents have familiar items in their new homes. Photographs, artwork, and special mementos will make the transition process much less stressful for residents.
Choose the Right Community
Selecting the right residential care community is essential for the safety, happiness, and well-being of seniors. These communities offer enriching living accommodations that make seniors feel at home from the beginning.
Here at Orchard Park at Southfork, we provide our residents with memory care and assisted living services to ensure their safety and happiness. Our expansive community is comfortable and focuses on providing an enriching and rewarding living arrangement for residents.
