For many seniors, moving into senior housing can be a major life transition. Moving to a retirement community or assisted living facility can cause a range of feelings, from anxiety and despair to enthusiasm and relief. A seamless transition depends on an understanding of these emotional obstacles and knowing how loved ones can provide support. By working together, family members can help seniors navigate these issues and encourage them to embrace their new living arrangements.
Understanding the Emotions Surrounding a Transition to Senior Housing
Relocating to a new living situation can be stressful for anyone, especially seniors who’ve likely been in the same home for some time.
Typical emotional challenges they may face include:
Loss of Independence: Seniors may experience a sense of losing control over their lives during this shift. Feelings of frustration and powerlessness may result from this sense of loss.
Separation Anxiety: It might be upsetting to leave behind a comfortable house, neighborhood, and social network. It’s possible for seniors to feel alone or cut off from their previous lives. With this in mind, loved ones need to remain engaged after the move to help seniors understand they’re not alone in their new senior living situation.
Fear and Uncertainty: Anxiety might be brought on by uncertainties about their new surroundings, the kind of care they will receive, and how their daily schedules will change.
Guilt and Regret: Seniors may experience feelings of guilt or regret regarding their move, depending on the specific circumstances that lead to it.
The Importance of Honest Communication
Open and honest communication is one of the best strategies to support a loved one in adjusting to this change. Family members should give them space to talk about their emotions and concerns and listen to them without passing judgment. Emotional comfort and reduced fear can be achieved by showing empathy and understanding.
Maintain Previous Relationships
As mentioned above, family members need to stay engaged after the change. In addition, it may benefit seniors to continue to see their friends and keep some of their same routines even after moving into senior living. For instance, if they’ve used the same salon for years, they need to continue that relationship if possible.
Create a Plan to Maintain Connection
It will help seniors adjust if loved ones work with them to create a plan for maintaining the connections noted above. This gives seniors something to hold on to while they adjust to their new surroundings. An example of this could be making a salon appointment a few weeks after the move. Knowing it’s on the schedule gives seniors peace of mind.
To stay connected, loved ones can also make sure seniors have some of their items in their new home. While they might not have been able to take everything with them on the move, a favorite chair, decor, and pictures are all things that can likely be incorporated.
Making the move to senior housing can be an emotional roller coaster. Loved ones can play a vital role in facilitating this adjustment by being open with communication, helping seniors maintain connections, and validating their feelings.
Sources: https://www.mbkseniorliving.com/mbk-blog/navigating-the-transition-to-senior-living-with-care-and-compassion
https://seniorsbluebook.com/articles/Navigating-Emotional-Challenges-:Supporting%20Seniors-During-the-Moving-Process
If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to a Senior Housing in Chesterfield MO, please contact the caring staff at Avalon Park today at (636) 622-8136.
Avalon Park provides independent living in Cottleville, Chesterfield, O’Fallon, St. Peters, Harvester, Weldon Spring, Saint Charles, Lake St. Louis, Dardenne Prairie, Wentzville, St. Charles County, and surrounding areas.
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