How to Help Your Parent Feel Comfortable in a Senior Living Community

If Mom or Dad is moving to a senior living community, you want to do whatever you can to help them feel at home, well-cared for and safe in their new surroundings. At Carriage Crossing, we understand, and we’ve put together some suggestions to help you make the transition smoother for everyone.

Helping your parent adjust to life in a senior living community

Starting a new chapter in life in a new home is a big deal for anyone, and it can bring up some fears for a person who is resistant to change. They might feel they’ll have to give up everything they enjoy. They won’t have any privacy. They’ll be less involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

But despite these worries, there’s great news ahead: choosing the right senior living community means none of that must be true. In fact, just the opposite is more likely: more freedom, more opportunities to learn, play and laugh, and more peace of mind knowing someone is always close by if needed.

How can you help your parents feel at home?

Be part of the process: Take an active role in the decisions they make as they settle into life in the community. It can start on moving day, when they are setting up their new home. Help them arrange their furnishings and décor, making sure to have family photos and cherished mementos displayed as they choose. Look over the monthly activities calendar and talk about what sounds interesting.

Spend some time listening to any concerns they might have. Remind them of the peace of mind they can now enjoy knowing a helping hand is close by 24/7 if needed. Let them know you feel better knowing they not only have planned for their future, but are enhancing their quality of life as well. Before you leave, plan and make a date to visit again soon.

Visit them often: Sometimes the best way to really feel at home is to have people come over for a visit. It gives your parent the opportunity to share their new life with you and build pride in what they have accomplished. It also reduces any fears that once they have moved into a senior living community, they will never see you again.

Encourage them to get out and meet others: Knock on their neighbor’s door. Help your mom plan a “housewarming” in their apartment for the people who live around them. As you are inspiring your mom or dad to be more social, you’ll also have the opportunity to make new friends. Pretty soon, everyone will feel more at home.

Have a meal with them: Join them regularly in the main dining area for a meal and conversation. Or consider arranging a family get-together in the private dining room, so more relatives and friends can attend. Mealtimes in a senior living community are a great time to share news and strengthen your bond with your parents.

Attend some resident events: Every senior living community puts together a calendar of social events for the month. Parties, outings, classes, games, movies, club meetings, group discussions, and much more. Keep up with what is going on and plan to drop in occasionally and join your parent. Showing you are truly interested in their daily life will go a long way to helping them feel at home.

Make it a family affair: Bring the grandkids over for a holiday event, birthday, or other family occasion. Have a picnic on the lawn or outdoor patio. Help everyone become comfortable with the fact that this is now your parents’ address.

Plan a holiday traditions in their new home: If you used to gather to sing carols in the family home, arrange to do it at their new place instead. Have a “wrap” night and wrap presents. Bake some holiday cookies and treats. Help them decorate their apartment and make some new holiday memories by sharing the beautiful decorations and special holiday events of the senior living community.

Plan some outings: If you always picked up your parents when you went to church, don’t stop now. Don’t forget they’d probably love to attend a grandchild’s game or pageant. Think of how you used to enjoy time together and plan an outing.

Listen to their news: Ask them about life in the community. Who are their new friends? Which activities do they most enjoy? Being a good listener will let them know you are truly invested in their comfort and happiness in their new home.

Changing where you live doesn’t have to mean changing your whole way of life.

At Carriage Crossing, your parents will find all the choices they need to live the life they love. With Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult Day Care, Respite Care and more, our senior living community offers a variety of lifestyle options, on-site amenities and supportive services to make life easier and more fulfilling. No more yard work, no more worries. Just the freedom and security you need to enjoy the people and passions that matter most.

Support when you need it, independence when you don’t. Contact us to learn more.