As difficult as choosing a retirement community may be, making the move and adjusting to a new style of senior living can be equally challenging for some new residents.
However, like many of life’s transitions—getting married, having a child or starting a new job—the initial period of stress or confusion is usually replaced by a new and fulfilling way of life.
The emotional and physical trials that accompany any move can be more pronounced for people who are downsizing from their home of 30 or more years. But while some regret is common for people in this situation, so is excitement about the move. The loss of independence that some people feel is soon replaced by a newfound feeling of freedom—with fewer concerns about property upkeep, safety risks and social isolation.
Once new routines begin to replace old ones, people begin to adjust and welcome their recently adopted way of senior living, whether in an independent living retirement community or a personal care or an assisted living home. To ease the adjustment, Country Meadows staff and residents make concerted efforts to welcome new arrivals and encourage their involvement in activities. For family members, we offer these tips to help your loved ones make an easier transition to a senior living home:
• Acknowledge their sense of loss – Realize that they may grieve and assure them that it’s acceptable. Lend a sympathetic ear as you help them focus on the upside of moving.
• Lend a hand – Assist them with packing and, as needed, in determining what is kept and what is discarded or given away. Offer to help in personalizing and decorating their new home and familiarize them with the campus.
• Encourage them – Even outgoing seniors may need persuasion to meet other residents and staff and seek out retirement community activities of interest. For introverted adults, invitations by staff or other residents should help.
• Give them space – Once they settle in, allow them time to explore their new surroundings and make acquaintances. Be available but don’t be smothering.
• Keep in touch – Phone or visit regularly and, if possible, attend activities with them. Show them that, even though their home has changed, your relationship with them hasn’t.
If you haven’t already decided, but are thinking of moving to a retirement community, check out our previous blog post, “Is a senior living community the right choice?” and our information on “what to look for when considering a retirement community.”
If you’re seeking a Pennsylvania or Maryland retirement home, we hope that you will contact us for information and to schedule a visit to be introduced to our senior apartments and our full range of amenities. We have a selection of 10 Country Meadows communities in Pennsylvania and one in Maryland.
Among our senior living options, all of our locations offer senior independent living communities and memory support services. We also personal personal care at all of our Pennsylvania locations and assisted living in Frederick, Maryland.
Country Meadows
I liked that you pointed out that you should give your loved one some space when they move into a retirement community. It is good to know that it would help them get used to their new community. That is good for me to know because my parents are starting to think about moving into a retirement community.
Ms. Smith,
We offer a warm welcome to all our residents and a smooth transition through our Ambassador program. We recognize it is quite the transition for both the resident AND her/his family. We are here for both. And we hope you will consider us in your search for your parents. Feel free to contact our team at https://www.countrymeadows.com/contact-us/request-info. We hope to hear from you when ready. Thanks again.
I like that you said that when moving to a new place or community is normal to take some time to adapt to that environment and their new home. I have talked to my mom about living in a senior community so that she can have more peace. I’m going to make sure to be there with her until she adapts to her new living style.
Mr. Booker,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. Let us know if we can be of assistance at any time.
We just moved my grandma into a small one bedroom home, and it seems like she is struggling a bit to get use to things. I like how you mentioned to give it some time, this is a big adjustment for her, and it may take her awhile to get use to things. Thanks for the tips, I will just have to give her some space, and hope that she starts to enjoy her new life.
Moving to a retirement community is a big adjustment. Perhaps you could talk to some of the co-workers at her community to provide suggestions about what types of activities she enjoys? Fingers crossed she becomes involved and enjoys her new life.
I love how you said to lend a sympathetic ear because sometimes all you really need to do is listen. My grandma is being moved into a nursing home, so I’ll be sure to listen to her if she ever needs it. I think she’ll be really happy about being surrounded by other people though. She’s very social and being alone in her house was getting her down.
Thank you, Tori, for sharing your experience. Older adults have lots of life experience to share, and we can learn a lot from it!
I like that you mention how it takes time to adjust to a new place and that having new routines can help with that adjustment. My parents have been trying to decide what to do with my grandma because they think she will miss home. I think they should look into quality senior apartments with people similar to her.