The transition to senior living can be tricky to navigate for both you and your parents. It might be accompanied by a change in health status or a growing dependence on assistance. Whatever the circumstances, it’s unlikely that your parents will have zero qualms about moving to assisted living. But the process doesn’t have to be scary or frustrating for you or them. All it takes is the right mindset and a clear support plan as they undergo this transition.
Contact Summer’s Landing at 850.265.9829 to learn more about our senior living services!
Tips to Share With Your Parents
The two parties in any transition to senior living, you and your parents, both bring a range of emotions and presumptions about what senior living services are like and the challenges that might accompany the transition. First, let’s examine some helpful tips you can share with your parents to ensure they enter with an open mind, ready to make the most of being in assisted living.
Stay Open-Minded
Any major change is sure to bring a list of anxieties and fears with it and a transition to senior living is no exception. Yet it is imperative that you encourage your parents to stay open to realizing the benefits and support system provided by assisted living.
It can be easy to bring preconceived notions of what the care will be like and the loss of some types of independence, but the more open-minded your parents can stay, the more likely they are to embrace the opportunities and resources they will have in assisted living.
Take Advantage of Social Opportunities
One of the major benefits of a transition to assisted living is that it can connect your parents to myriad opportunities for socializing with peers. Take time to learn about what social events their assisted living center offers and help your parents plan regarding which they will take advantage of. Bingo might be the first thing that comes to mind, but most modern assisted living centers offer much more for both the body and brain, such as:
- Book clubs
- Art workshops
- Ballroom dancing
- Yoga classes
- Trivia nights
Ask Questions
This goes for both you and your parents but is particularly relevant to your parents as they are the ones directly experiencing care on a daily basis. Whether it’s related to their physical and mental health or just a question about available senior activities at their center, encourage your parents to ask questions and advocate for themselves. No question is too small to bother asking. That’s what the staff is there for.
Tips for Supporting Your Parents
Beyond your role as an encourager and supporter to your parents, you also need to take care of yourself during the transition. The major emotion children regularly experience related to their parents entering assisted living is guilt. Remind yourself that the transition to senior living is best for your parents and will ensure they receive the socialization and care they need in their later years. Your guilt will not improve their transition or your ability to offer them support.
At the same time, stay in touch with your parents through regular visits and phone calls. Make sure they are getting plugged in to the social activities at their site alongside being a physical presence for them. And lastly, consider how you can make their living situation personalized. By bringing family photos or their favorite knickknacks, you can make their new surroundings feel like home.
Senior Living Services at Summer’s Landing
Summer’s Landing offers a supportive environment for seniors. We pride ourselves on guaranteeing the dignity and privacy of all of our residents.
Learn more about what sets our senior living services apart by contacting us at 850.265.9829.
