Assisted living is intended for older adults who are fairly healthy but may still need assistance with certain tasks. If your parent needs assistance completing certain tasks or can't keep up with the home anymore, assisted living may be a good option. However, you may worry that your parent will have trouble adjusting to living there. Here are a few ways to help your parent adjust to an assisted living facility.
Communicate Openly
It is likely that your parent may feel nervous about moving into an assisted living facility. He or she may be scared about the transition. That is why you should encourage your parent to communicate with you openly about the situation. Listen to your parent's concerns and validate them as much as you can.
Help Your Parent Create a Personalized Room
When your parent moves into an assisted living facility, he or she will have their own room. If the room is too plain, it might not truly feel like it’s theirs. That is why you may want to help your parent make the room more personalized. Encourage your parent to hang up photos of loved ones and decorations they like.
Encourage Your Parent to Have a Life Outside of the Assisted Living Facility
Just because your parent has moved into an assisted living facility, does not mean that he or she has to be confined there. If your parent is still mobile and healthy, you should encourage them to participate in activities outside of the facility, such as taking walks in the park, going to the movies, and visiting friends.
Do not Forget to Visit
While everyone gets busy sometimes, it is still important to visit your parent regularly at an assisted living facility. This will definitely make the adjustment process a little easier. If your parent sees that you care enough to visit frequently, he or she will feel loved and appreciated.
Talk to the Staff
It may be helpful to discuss your parent's specific needs with the staff at the assisted living facility. If the staff knows what your parent needs, then they will be able to help them adjust easier.
If you follow these helpful tips, you can help your parent adjust to assisted living. If you are thinking about placing your parent in assisted living, you should take tours of several facilities in your area — such as Haven In Allyn Assisted Living.