Adjusting to senior living can be quite stressful for your parent. After all, it is a major transition in their life that involves adapting to a new environment and lifestyle. Family involvement can make this transition go more smoothly, though. By actively participating in the transition, you’re helping your parent feel more comfortable, connected, and supported in their new home. Here, we will explore how to help your senior parent adjust to their new home in a senior living community.

Helping your parent by guiding the social and emotional transition

The move into a senior community is a big change for everyone involved. As with any major transition in life, it’s natural for you and your parent to go through a variety of emotions. With your involvement and support, you can help guide your parent and ease the transition. Let’s explore how you can support their social and emotional adjustment.

Encourage participation in scheduled activities

Your parent’s senior community likely offers a full schedule of activities that can enrich their life and improve their mental health. Encouraging your parent to engage in these activities is one of the best ways to help them settle in and feel at home. Start by discussing their hobbies and interests to identify activities they might enjoy. 

Next, find the facility’s activity schedule. Most facilities plan their calendar a month in advance (programming can also be adjusted or added), and you can find a printed schedule in various places throughout the facility. Ask the staff for a copy of the monthly schedule. Some communities may also have an app or online schedule for residents’ and families’ convenience.

Based on the schedule and your parent’s interests, discuss events they might enjoy. If they’re reluctant to attend, see if you can join them for one or two. Your presence provides comfort and encouragement, making it easier for them to participate. Engaging in these activities can enhance their mood, increase social interactions, and foster a sense of belonging.

Encourage your parent to join a resident committee

Resident committees offer your parent a chance to deepen their connection to their new community and become more involved in its operations. These committees provide residents with the opportunity to have input into the community’s functioning. Most communities have resident committees for activities, dining services, and welcoming new residents. By joining a committee, your parent can experience a sense of purpose, make new friends, and contribute their skills and ideas.

As you encourage your parent to consider joining a committee, start by discussing the different committees available and what might align with their interests or past experiences. Emphasize how joining a committee can help your parent feel a part of the community and make meaningful connections with other residents. Your support and encouragement can guide your parent to take this step toward involvement, positively impacting their daily life and boosting their confidence.

Utilize resident ambassador and other welcome programs

Resident ambassadors help new residents adjust to their community. They help your parent through the transition by offering guidance, sharing insights, and providing a friendly face. Before moving in, learn about the community’s ambassador program and how to connect your parent with it. You can do this by contacting the community staff or attending an introductory meeting.

When discussing this idea with your parent, emphasize how having an ambassador can ease their transition and help them feel more at home. Ambassadors can introduce your parent to other residents and community activities, helping them build a supportive network from the start.

Helping your parent by ensuring their well-being: Navigating health and care needs

Helping your parent transition to a senior living community also involves ensuring that your parent’s health and care needs are met. Understanding and participating in the care processes can significantly impact their well-being and quality of life. This section will guide you through essential aspects of managing your parent’s health and care needs.

Attend and participate in care plan meetings

Care plan meetings are essential for ensuring that your parent’s needs are comprehensively addressed by the community. Depending on the type of facility and the kind of care it provides, these meetings may involve health care professionals, caregivers, administration, and family members to discuss and coordinate your parent’s care. Attending these meetings allows you to stay informed about your parent’s health status, treatment plans, and any changes in their care, ultimately leading to more personalized care.

Being present at care plan meetings also positions your support and involvement with your parent’s health needs. You can discuss any concerns, ask questions, and ensure that your parent’s preferences and needs are considered in their care plan. By actively participating, you create open communication with the care team. 

Follow up on care-related logistics for a smooth transition

In order to have a successful transition into senior living, it’s crucial that your parent has continuity of their medical care so they don’t experience any gaps in treatment, appointments, or medications. To facilitate this process, create a checklist of action items that includes:

• Current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications (including any vitamins and supplements).
• Current pharmacy to assist with transferring any prescriptions.
• Any necessary medical records.
• Schedules for any ongoing treatments.
• Upcoming medical or dental appointments.
• Any dietary restrictions or needs.

Share this information with the new care team to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of your parent’s health needs.

Effective communication with health care providers is also essential to avoid any gaps in treatment or care. Establish a clear line of communication with both the previous and new health care teams to address any questions or concerns. Open communication can ensure that your parent’s care remains consistent and your parent can feel secure in knowing that the move will not interrupt their care.

Helping your parent navigate the essentials: Understanding daily living comforts

Transitioning into a senior living community involves more than just adjusting to a new home. It also involves learning about the daily logistics of the community. Understanding the logistics of living in a senior community will help your parent have a more successful transition through: 

• Peace of mind: Knowing the details can alleviate concerns and reduce stress for both you and your parent.
• Communication: Being informed allows for better communication with the community staff, which helps to ensure that your parent’s specific needs and preferences are met.
• Smoother transition: A clear understanding of how services work can help your parent settle in more comfortably and quickly, making the transition smoother for everyone involved.

Find out the details of the services your parent will use

Supportive services in the senior living community will enhance your parent’s comfort and ease. Depending on the facility, these services can include:

• Laundry.
• Housekeeping.
• Transportation.
• Personal care assistance (help with bathing, dressing, etc.).

When it comes to these services, it’s important to learn the detailed information about what services your parent can receive and any additional costs that may apply. Here are some questions to consider asking:

• What services does the community provide?
• What is the frequency of each service?
• Are there specific days or times when services are provided?
• Can you request an increase in the frequency of any service? What does that increase cost?
• Are there any special instructions or options for personal preferences, such as detergent choice for laundry or specific cleaning products for housekeeping?
• How is transportation scheduled, and what destinations are covered?

Strengthening bonds: Visitation and family outings

As your parent adjusts to living in a new community, maintaining strong family connections is a crucial aspect of your parent’s well-being. Your visits with your parent and scheduled outings with you can provide emotional support, enhance your parent’s quality of life, and help them feel more connected to their loved ones.

You will want to establish a visitation schedule that works for both you and your parent. By understanding and prioritizing visitation and family outings, you can help ensure that your parent feels loved, supported, and connected in their new home.

You can discuss with your parent their preferences for visits with you. As you plan the visits, you might want to consider the following:

• How often do they want you to visit? 
• Do they want to go on outings with you? 
• What kind of outings? 
• What time of day?
• What is your schedule and availability for visiting? Do not commit to a schedule that you cannot fulfill.
• Does the community have any recommendations for the frequency of visits?

You may also want to revisit this schedule as your parent grows to feel more at home in their community. As they adjust, you may find that it works for both of you to modify your visitation schedule. 

Transitioning into senior living involves numerous adjustments for your parent. By creating a thoughtful plan that addresses their social, emotional, and care needs while also understanding daily living comforts and maintaining strong family connections, you can facilitate a smoother transition. Staying informed and actively involved will help your parent feel comfortable, connected, and well cared for in their new home.