While assisted living communities offer necessary care to elderly loved ones, it can be difficult for seniors and their families to adjust to this new living arrangement. However, with the right approach, family members can provide support and encouragement to help loved ones thrive in their new community.
The information below provides tips and strategies for supporting family members in communities for seniors and explains how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Maintain regular contact
One of the most important things you can do as a family member is to keep in touch with your loved one. Regular phone calls, emails, or video chats will help a loved one feel connected and supported.
Additionally, schedule regular visits to the community to spend time together and catch up on what’s been happening in their life. It’s also important to remember the time difference if your loved one is in a different state or time zone.
Get involved in their care
It’s important to understand the level of care your loved one receives in the senior living home. This will help you know how best to support them and ensure they receive the care they need.
You can work with the staff and caregivers to develop a care plan that meets your loved one’s needs and preferences. It’s also important to stay informed of their medical condition and any changes in their care plan.
Encourage Them to be Active and Engaged
Senior living homes often provide a variety of activities and events for residents to participate in. Encourage your loved one to get involved in activities that interest them. This will help them to socialize and maintain an active lifestyle.
Some communities have activities like exercise classes, arts and crafts, game nights, and other social events that can keep seniors busy and mentally stimulated.
Help Them Feel at Home
Your loved one may be feeling homesick or lonely in their new surroundings. Help them make their room or apartment feel like home by bringing personal items such as photos, knick-knacks, or even furniture. This will help them to feel more comfortable and at ease in their new environment. You can also decorate their space with familiar items, like a favorite blanket or a framed picture of the family, to make them feel more at home.
Supporting their Emotional Well-being
Moving to an assisted living community can be emotionally difficult for your loved one. It’s essential to be there for them and provide emotional support. Listen to their concerns, offer encouragement, and remind them that they are not alone. Encourage them to talk openly about their feelings, and offer a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.
For family members, it’s important to find local counseling and support resources to help them cope with the emotional challenges of assisted living. Support groups for families of senior home residents and counseling services can be a valuable resource for both the senior and the family members.
Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life in Assisted Living
One of the most important aspects of supporting family members in senior homes is maintaining their independence and quality of life. Senior homes provide the necessary care and support while allowing seniors to maintain independence and self-care. It’s important to encourage independence and self-care by helping seniors with daily tasks they can still do independently.
Personalizing the living space is also important in maintaining independence and quality of life. Helping them make their room or apartment feel like home by bringing personal items such as photos, knick-knacks, or even furniture. This will help them to feel more comfortable and at ease in their new environment. Encourage them to participate in activities that align with their hobbies and interests. This will help them to socialize, stay active, and be mentally stimulated.
In a nutshell, providing support for family members in senior homes is essential for helping them to thrive in their new community. By communicating regularly, getting involved in their care, encouraging them to be active and engaged, helping them to feel at home, and providing emotional support, you can ensure that your loved one is comfortable and well-cared for.
Orchard Park at Victory Lakes is an assisted living community in League City, TX, that offers memory care services and a community for seniors. We understand the importance of family involvement and strive to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for residents and their families. If you’re looking for an assisted living community in League City, TX, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your loved one.
