Active seniors on a walk in autumn forest
The population of people over 85 is on track to triple from 5.7 million in 2011 to 14.1 million by the year 2040. Inevitably, many of these aging individuals will end up requiring assisted living services to help ensure that they can maintain a high quality of life, even as they begin to need a bit more help. If your loved one is currently in this situation and is needing more help with daily tasks, an assisted living home is a great solution. However, to help them make the transition, there are some things that you can do.
Choose The Perfect Assisted Living Home
When it comes to transitioning your loved one to an assisted living home, you don’t want to pick just any facility. Before choosing the perfect new home for your loved one, you will want to research the facility, take a tour of it, meet with staff, and read reviews from current and former residents and family members. You should also get your loved ones as involved as possible, by talking to them about the different options and letting them have input. After all, the facility you choose will serve as their new home. It’s only fair that they get as much input as possible to help make the transition easier.
Personalize Their New Home
Once you have selected the perfect facility, you don’t want to just move them into their new home without making it as personalized and welcoming as possible. Bring things from their old homes such as pictures, bedding, and other decor items to help make their new space a bit more comfortable and familiar. By doing this you can make the transition a bit easier.
Encourage Socialization and Activities
Lonliness is a real problem for older individuals, and it can take a real toll on their wellbeing and mental health. Thankfully, in an assisted living home there is no shortage of other residents to socialize with. Many facilities also host numerous activities throughout the month to give residents a chance to leave their suites and have fun with each other. Although your loved one may be apprehensive at first, encourage them to participate and before you know it they will be making lasting friendships and enjoying their time much more readily.
Stay In Touch
Lastly, you and your family should make it a priority to visit and call your loved ones as much as possible to help them stay connected. One big fear that many older individuals have about living in an assisted living home is that their families will abandon them there. While this fear may be unfounded, you can still help mitigate it by doing all that you can to keep in touch and maintaining your connection to them.
If you have an aging loved one who needs more help with daily tasks, consider how an assisted living home can benefit them. While the transition may seem difficult, there are numerous ways you can help make it as easy and as enjoyable as possible.
