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Moving into an assisted living facility can be a difficult transition—for both the individual and their family members. However, a practical yet subtle approach will go a long way toward reducing tension and stress while helping your loved one acclimate to a new and unfamiliar environment. If you’re considering this type of care for the senior in your life, follow the steps below to ensure peace of mind.

5 Tips to Ease the Transition to Assisted Living

1. Communicate

When broaching the idea of assisted living, it’s important that family members communicate honestly while providing senior loved ones with a forum to express their emotions and concerns. Although some apprehension and sadness should be expected during the initial conversations, these feelings will often fade with time. Give the idea some time to settle while allowing your loved one to play a role in the decision-making process. 

2. Schedule a Tour

A private tour of the grounds will provide both you and your loved one with an opportunity to check out the living quarters, meet the staff, and gain a better idea of what life might be like at the facility. Call ahead of time to make the staff aware of your intentions, and tag along to help put your loved one at ease. The more familiar they are with the facility, the more comfortable he or she will be with the idea of moving there.

3. Personalize the Space

assisted livingAfter moving in, personalize the room with your loved one’s favorite photos, music, furniture, books, and artwork. This will help them feel more at home in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.

4. Stay in Touch

Isolation is a common fear among seniors when they move to assisted living facilities. To combat these worries, make frequent visits, plan activities, and call as often as possible. If you are not within close proximity to the retirement home, find out if you can video chat with them to maintain communication.

5. Practice Patience

The transition to assisted living doesn’t happen overnight. In some cases, it may take six months or more for a resident to settle into their new surroundings. If your loved one is having a difficult time adjusting, remain patient and positive, and keep the benefits and big picture in mind.

 

If you’re searching for a senior living facility in Freedom or Pulaski, WI, Country Villa Assisted Living is the place to go. With a team of seasoned caregivers, they offer a wide variety of amenities and activities, in addition to around-the-clock respite care and professional health services. Call the Freedom location at (920) 422-4620 or the Pulaski location at (920) 822-2040 to schedule a tour, and visit their website for more information on their offerings.

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