Friday, February 1, 2013

Steps To Transitioning Into Senior Living

The move to an assisted living facility can be stressful for elderly adults, especially if they are used to living on their own. However, making the transition a smooth one can help you get acclimated to your new surroundings. The following are eight simple tips for making a positive move into a senior living facility.

1. Brush up on the New Facility
All of the facilities offer seminars and have an open door policy. You can inquire about all of the activities and social events that are offered to your loved ones. When you visit one of these communities, for instance, a senior living Marietta GA residence, the environment is much different from any other senior community you have seen. Families can be sure their loved ones are well cared for and will feel the excitement toward the move. The face to face meeting can also give you an opportunity to meet the staff and residents of the facility beforehand. This will help, so you won’t feel intimidated and nervous upon entering your new home. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them before you sign any contracts.

2. Get Acquainted with your New Room
Getting acclimated to your new room is an important part of the transition. You can take measurements to see what you have room for and how your furniture will fit. Decide if you would like to take any personal items from your previous residence or if you would like to purchase new home furnishings to make it a fresh start.

3. Personalize Your Space
You can personalize your new living space by adding cozy touches throughout your room. Hang pictures on the walls and display family knickknacks and photo albums to keep memories alive. You can also make room for favorite things, such as a special rocking chair, bed or dresser.

4. Organize
Organization is the key to a great move and this is the perfect time to go through your belongings and toss out things that you no longer use. When you’ve decided on what you would like to bring, find proper storage containers that will help you keep things neat and orderly.

5. Socialize
An assisted living facility has a host of activities and social gatherings to help make your new space feel like home. You can get involved by joining classes and groups that are of interest such as book clubs, card games, fitness activities and lectures. Outside excursions are also planned for residents.

6. Family Visits
Many elderly adults worry that their loved ones will forget about them once they transition to a senior assisted living facility. Encourage your family and friends to continue to stay in touch and make plans for a weekly visit.

7. Stay Positive
It helps to keep a positive and open mind when moving to a senior living facility. Stay focused on everything that they have to offer such as fun outings, family gatherings on holidays, excellent food, social activities and movie nights. If you find yourself feeling depressed or out of sorts, there are a number of professionals on hand to help you deal with your sadness.

8. Take Time to Adjust
Any move can be filled with doubts and a bit of melancholy and it’s easy to long for the way things used to be. However, you have to stay focused on the sea of opportunities that lie ahead of you. Give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings and to make new friends and acquaintances.

Making the move to an assisted living facility can be healthy and beneficial to seniors. By following the above tips, you can make the move an easy and happy transition. Taking time with the state of affairs for your seniors will prove to be a successful outcome.

Tanya Wilcox is a writer and contributes this information to aid those seeking alternatives for their aging parents. Dogwood Forest as a senior living Marietta GA facility, helps promote better health and daily care, to fun-filled outings for each senior at all levels and their particular skill. The company promotes high standards and strong fundamentals when dealing with assisted living communities.

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