Tips to Make the Transition to Assisted Living Easier on Your Loved One

As a caregiver, your priority is making sure of your loved one’s comfort and well-being as they transition into assisted living for seniors. While the initial adjustment period may be challenging, there are several methods to follow to gradually ease the transition.

Our staff at Balfour Senior Living have curated a list of tips to help facilitate your loved one’s settling process in the early days of their move into assisted living.

Be Involved

Encouraging your loved one to participate in group activities at their assisted living community is a fantastic way to help them settle into assisted living. Engaging in these activities not only develops connections with other residents but also has a positive impact on their mood. Research from the National Institute on Aging highlights that seniors who engage in meaningful activities report increased happiness and better physical health, highlighting the importance of social engagement in senior living communities.

Include Familiar Items

Gather belongings before the relocation to help your loved one settle into their new home comfortably. Include familiar items such as photographs of themselves with their loved ones, blankets, or sentimental collectibles to create a sense of familiarity and warmth in their new living space. These personal touches can provide comfort and a sense of continuity during the transition into assisted living.

Use Labels Where Possible

Assist your loved one in minimizing the frustration that can come with relocating by labeling items in their new residence. Label drawers, boxes, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets to make it easier for them to locate essential items and settle into their new environment smoothly. This simple organization technique can alleviate stress and help them get familiar with their new living space.

Schedule Outings

It’s important to have your loved one spend time outside their new community to ease their transition. Join them in activities they typically enjoy or take leisurely walks together through parks. This can help them feel more at ease and connected to their new environment which can also reduce feelings of displacement.

Support Their Independence

Speak with the staff about whether they can accommodate your loved one’s hobbies or tasks they can do independently. Providing tailored support and encouragement builds a sense of empowerment and enables your loved one to pursue activities they enjoy and maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment within their new community.

The great thing about assisted living for seniors at Balfour Senior Living is that every resident is encouraged to maintain their level of independence. Our staff is dedicated to supporting your loved one’s freedom and autonomy while providing them with the individual level of care they require.

Stay Positive

While it’s natural to experience a range of emotions, it’s important to remain resilient for your loved one. If they are feeling regret or sadness, acknowledge and validate these feelings and maintain a supportive and positive outlook. Your strength and reassurance can provide them with comfort and stability during times of emotional vulnerability.

Ask About Our Assisted Living Communities for Seniors at Balfour Senior Living

At Balfour Senior Living, we are dedicated to helping our residents and their families feel encouraged and supported during every stage of the transition into assisted living.

Ask our staff today for more information about our assisted living communities for seniors.