There’s no denying that moving to assisted living is a major transition. Not only are seniors relocating to smaller spaces, but they often worry about losing familiarity, independence, and more. Thankfully, assisted living staff are aware of the challenges. They make it their mission to help seniors settle in successfully and offer plenty of support throughout the process.

Seniors and their families can also take certain steps, like planning carefully and understanding what to expect during the first week of assisted living. This can help make the experience less stressful for everyone. In this article, we break down the key elements of the first week of transitioning to assisted living so you’re not left with any surprises.

The moving-in process

The first day at assisted living is much like the first day of college: a flurry of activity and movement with plenty of people to meet. A key part of this transition is helping the senior move their belongings into their new room.

Some families hire movers for this step, while others do much of the work themselves. Either way, facility staff will assist with the logistics and might even lend a hand.

Once most items are in the senior’s room, they may want to start unpacking and setting up the space. Removing essential items from boxes and making the room look nice is a key part of creating a home base and helping the senior feel safe.

Initial meetings and tour of the assisted living community

In most facilities, a single staff member acts as both a guide and a point of contact for the senior, assisting them from the moment they arrive. This could be a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or an admissions coordinator. Regardless of the title, this person provides stability and serves as a helpful guide for the senior.

Early steps this individual may perform include:

• Helping the senior settle into their room.
• Offering them food and drink.
• Providing information about various services, systems, and schedules.
• Learning the senior’s routines.
• Introducing them to their roommate (if the senior is sharing a room).

Once the senior has begun to settle in, there will often be a guided tour of the community. This tour will showcase the various amenities, including the dining room, social areas, and exercise facilities. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce the senior to staff members and other residents.

Meeting assisted living staff members

The senior typically meets a few staff members during the intake process, while other staff members are introduced at various stages, such as during a facility tour and when the senior first uses different services.

Such introductions can be spread out over the first week or two to prevent them from being too overwhelming. There will be time to meet everyone as things progress.

Meeting other assisted living residents

Many residents will come to meet the senior and introduce themselves, especially if you keep the door open while setting up the apartment. There might also be a welcoming committee of residents, along with people the senior meets during orientation.

Beyond these introductions, eating in the dining hall and taking part in scheduled activities are great ways to meet other residents. Some facilities also host social mixers and welcome events to promote social connections.

Assessments and scheduled services

The senior will have already completed some assessments before being accepted to the assisted living facility, but there is sometimes an additional in-person needs assessment to complete after they have moved in.

This assessment focuses on areas where the senior requires assistance, such as showering, mobility, and dressing. Staff can use this opportunity to learn more about the senior’s routines and preferences, enabling care to be customized to their needs.

Many services will begin on the first day, especially for hands-on care tasks (like assistance with showering) that need to be completed every day.

Adjusting emotionally: It’s normal to feel a lot

Mixed emotions are common when people first transition to assisted living. There may be a mix of relief, excitement, sadness, loneliness, regret, and more. These feelings aren’t surprising, since assisted living is often very different from the senior’s previous home.

Researchers have described such a transition as “an emotionally stressful life event for older adults, with evidence suggesting that some individuals can take up to six months or longer to adjust to their new home. The transition period can be experienced as a ‘painful loss,’ resulting in intense grief for new residents and a period of mourning.” In other words, moving to assisted living can be stressful, with emotions that are similar to grief. 

It’s important to be patient with whatever the senior is feeling. Emotions are valuable and will pass in their own time.

Seniors may also need reminders that their emotional responses reflect their current feelings, not how they’ll feel in the future. Over time, seniors will start to form new friendships, participate in activities, and become more comfortable. The process simply takes time.

Family involvement during the assisted living transition

Family members can use different strategies to help the senior feel more at ease in the first week after a transition to assisted living. Here are some ideas:

• Help your loved one set up their room so they feel safe, comfortable, and settled.
• Eat the first meal together in the dining room. This can make their new environment feel more familiar. Family members can even facilitate introductions and initiate conversations with other residents.
• Help them find activities. Engaging in a few activities in the first week can help the senior connect more with the community. Try sitting with them and looking through the activity schedule. Even just one activity is enough to get the senior started.
• Stay in touch. Regular calls can help seniors feel less isolated and reassure them that they’re still loved and cared for. Consider being in touch every day at first, then doing so less frequently as the week progresses.
• Plan family visits. Visits help to maintain connection, provide emotional support, and give the senior something to look forward to.
• Be present, encouraging, and patient. This combination of approaches allows you to support the senior emotionally while gently encouraging them to get involved in the community. Being patient is especially important, as pressuring someone before they’re ready can backfire.

Who to talk to if something feels off

In many cases, if something feels off with your senior loved one or a certain aspect of the community, it’s best to start by talking to the staff directly involved with the issue and then escalate to someone with more authority if needed. However, seniors can also speak with the person who helped settle them in or the facility’s social worker.

To reduce the risk of problems, family members can ask for the main point of contact when the senior first moves in. This way, the right person is already known, and any issues can be quickly resolved. Remember, it’s important to advocate for your loved one as best you can.

Navigating the assisted living transition with confidence

The first week in assisted living can be full of mixed emotions, new experiences, and important first steps. While the adjustment period may bring challenges, it’s also the beginning of a new chapter that can bring comfort, safety, and community. With the support of compassionate staff, active family involvement, and a gradual approach to change, the assisted living transition can go more smoothly than many expect. By knowing what to anticipate and being patient with the process, families and seniors alike can navigate this transition with confidence and care.

Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.