When children- and maybe grandchildren – have flown the nest, life can feel a little quieter than it used to. Chores can feel more grinding than you remember them. And a family home can feel larger.
It’s why many seniors choose to embrace a new life in retirement, one that’s full of activities and social events booked into the calendar. Here is how to make the move when transitioning to assisted living in Portage.
Arrange Tours
The best way to get a feel for any assisted living community is to take a tour. So arrange some visits to any living community on your shortlist. Look at factors like the environment, outdoor space, and living conditions.
Excellent communities like ours take pride in creating an attractive environment for our residents.
Observe interactions between staff and the community and get a feel for the atmosphere. Check what the assisted living community offers regarding services and activities and ensure it matches your needs.
Consider the location, too. You want Portage senior living options close to relatives for when they visit.
Review Your Budget
A successful transition to an assisted living community happens when you don’t need to worry about money. Therefore, always review your budget before you make any final choices.
Consider your funding source, such as selling a home, a pension, or a combination of many things. You may also be entitled to benefits, such as those available to veterans.
Review costs for each of your assisted living shortlisted communities, and check what services you get for those fees.
It’s worth double-checking the pricing model, as some may offer more of a fixed cost, while others have more of a pay-as-you-go model. You need one that works for you and fits with your personal needs.
Make Your New Home Personal
When you move into your assisted living community in Portage, you might initially feel like the space alienates you, especially if you have moved from a residence you’ve lived in for decades.
Personalizing that space is worthwhile as it will help you with the transition. Add personal touches such as family photographs and cherished gifts. Include some decor that fits your tastes, like cushions and rugs.
You may also want to rearrange the space to suit your needs. If you love reading, add a chair next to a bookshelf. Or create a seating area near a large window if you love the outdoors.
Making your new home unique will make it feel like yours from day one.
Consider a Gradual Transition
Sometimes, a move can be easier if it doesn’t happen in one go. If you feel apprehensive about moving to a senior community, consider doing it in stages. Begin with one visit while keeping hold of your old accommodation.
Gradually increase the frequency and lengths of these visits, taking the time to personalize your space during each visit and getting to know the residents.
That way, the move won’t feel as overwhelming, and it means when you make the final move, you’ll already be familiar with the surroundings, people, and activities. That way, it will feel like home.
Get to Know the Staff
Remember that the staff at your assisted living community are here to help you, and they will already have plenty of experience in supporting residents during the transition stage.
Speak openly to the team about your feelings and thoughts from day one.
Talk about your expectations and some of your preferences so that the team can better support your needs. If you have concerns, don’t keep them to yourself; talk to a team member, as they will be easy to resolve in most cases.
If something in your care plan isn’t working, for example, a quick conversation can help you make adjustments.
Make Efforts to Socialize
Socializing with unfamiliar faces and surroundings takes most people out of their comfort zones. Yet, in the long term, it’s the best way to transition and settle into a new environment.
The social aspect of assisted living is also vital for your health and well-being.
Join as many social events and activities as possible, focusing on the ones that fit your interests and new activities you want to try. They’ll prove fun and engaging and offer the perfect opportunity to get to know other residents.
If you are experiencing loneliness or isolation when moving into your new residence, ask a staff member for support.
Arrange Family Visits
Adding family visits to the calendar is a great idea to help you transition to a new home. If possible, create a consistent schedule to help structure your day and ensure you have time for other community activities in the calendar.
Regular interaction with family is a great way to maintain those precious emotional bonds, so plan each visit accordingly, involving friends and family in activities or getting outdoors to explore something new.
Focus on Ways to Maintain Your Independence
As the name suggests, assisted living is there to help you with the small things while maintaining your independence. So ensure you embrace this from day one.
It’s crucial for your self-esteem and mental health and will make the transition easier. Use the services that will help you and offer convenience, like housekeeping, and embrace the events that will keep you living an active and full life.
Get Support Where It’s Needed
Maybe you have a health condition or need some form of therapy or personal care plan. Ensure you arrange this before you arrive.
Remember that support services are often one of the assisted living benefits that’s most important for residents. They are there to make your life easier, not remove your autonomy.
Use the care team to help you live a healthy and independent life while you enjoy the fun parts of retirement, like social events.
Transitioning to Assisted Living in Portage
Transitioning to a new home is never an overnight event. It always takes time. But it’s essential to embrace it and live your new life to the fullest. When transitioning to assisted living in Portage, keep these tips in mind.
Start that exciting journey today. Rittenhouse Village at Portage offers the best senior care services in Portage, but you don’t need to take our word for it. You can see it for yourself by booking a tour today.
