Helping Your Loved One Transition into Assisted Living

While we recognize the many benefits of senior living residences, any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly a big change for most seniors.  This is why experts have tips to help families support their loved one during the transition. 

A couple of common problems families encounter are a parent feeling abandoned or frustrated by a perceived loss of independence.  Your loved one may also experience problems adjusting to a new routine.  They may resent having to downsize and moving from their own home to a smaller apartment. 

Psychologist Dr. Deborah L. Stote explains it will help seniors adjust to their new home if they get encouragement and support from their family during their first days and weeks at the senior living community.  She says seniors “need positive reassurance that they are moving into a new chapter of their lives, rather than ending the life they have always known.”   However, Dr. Stote cautions families not to do too much “handholding.”  Being too protective can be counterproductive and prevent them from trying to make an adjustment to their new home. 

While transitioning to assisted living can be difficult for some seniors, others quickly realize the advantage of no longer having to worry about their homes’ upkeep or needing to prepare their own meals.  Their earlier feelings of resentment or sadness turn into feelings of gratitude as they understand their new home is better equipped to help them maintain their independence and can give them the support and care they need. 

MorningStar at Jordan offers 55 assisted living suites on three levels, with spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. Our Reflections Neighborhood offers 29 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory loss from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disease.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to our community to find out for yourself why our residents are proud to call us home. 

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living residences with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community.

Source: assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/