Back-to-school season is in full swing and with that comes feelings of excitement, nerves and busy schedules. It is also a season of fresh starts and mixed emotions. Maybe its dropping off a toddler at daycare for the first time, waving goodbye as a high school senior pulls out of the driveway on their own or unpacking the car at a college dorm room, no matter the milestone-it was a bittersweet mix of pride and worry – and yes, maybe a few tears.
Will they make friends? Will they be safe? What if something happens and I’m not there? What should they expect?
All these questions and many others are normal and valid as we watch someone we love embark on a new adventure. Similar feelings and questions can be had when helping a parent or loved one move into a senior retirement living community. Even if it feels odd with the roles being reversed with the child responsible for this major life transition for a parent.
When navigating the emotions that come along with a move into retirement living, family members might be feeling guilty that they can’t provide the care themselves, sadness that illness or injury has caused a parent’s limitations or even fear of what a senior retirement community lifestyle will look like for their family member.
Throughout the journey, it’s important to remember the basics that helped you get through the other emotional milestones also apply in this life stage.
Anticipate an Adjustment Period
It can take 2-3 weeks for a new resident to feel fully comfortable and in the rhythm of a new home. It’s important to stay patient when getting used to a new routine.
At Country Meadows:
Our Resident Ambassadors are eager to welcome new residents. The Ambassadors have lived on the campus for some time and make sure the new neighbors know where to go for meals, are invited to activities and have a friendly face to go to with questions. Having a buddy makes the adjustment to senior retirement living easier.
Build a Sense of Belonging
Senior retirement living communities are great places to meet new friends with similar interests and values. There are activities, fitness classes, volunteer opportunities and even resident-led clubs that regularly meet and are always welcoming new friends to participate.
At Country Meadows:
We get to know a new resident’s likes, dislikes and favorite things through learning their Life Story. Understanding the residents’ career and family background, passions and interests enables the entire care team to get to know the resident and their family which, in turn, encourages participation in activities that are tailored specifically to that resident and fosters personalized engagement during daily interactions.
Connect Regularly
Transitions are eased when families check in or visit regularly. The resident is more likely to feel at home and the family members find peace when they see their loved one receiving care, engaging with other residents and thriving. Connection to campus leadership and caregivers through strong communication is also critical in keeping the family informed of the care plan.
At Country Meadows:
Families and residents meet for pre-move-in meetings where they are introduced to the campus leadership and the clinical team who will be taking care of their loved one-like back-to-school night! This is an opportunity to ask specific questions, discuss expectations, put faces to names and share contact information so strong communication can be established between the campus and the family.
We’re Here to Help You Prepare for the Emotions
Our team of advisors in all our senior retirement living communities understands the trepidation family members experience and are prepared to walk with the family through every step to ensure everyone is comfortable and confident with the decision.
“New beginnings are scary and wonderful,” described Martie Haller, advisor at Country Meadows of Allentown. “The reality is that ‘first day’ feelings and questions don’t go away, they evolve. Please lean into us as advisors because we want this to be the smoothest experience for you.”
Preparing as best you can like creating your own packing checklist, understanding the cost of senior retirement living, meeting current residents or even making multiple visits to the community to attend events and activities before moving in, can help ease the transition.
When it feels like there is not a whole lot in your control, that is when it’s good to go back to the basics. Take a breath, remember the ABCs and know that you’ve got this!
Meet an Advisor
We know we just scratched the surface with the questions you might have and feelings you might be working through. Please contact an advisor at the campus community near you to start the conversation.
