While the move to Lakewood assisted living can come with multiple benefits, such as access to a community and social activities, as well as additional physical and mental health support, it can be an emotional time. Both the individual transitioning to assisted living and their loved one may be anxious and worried throughout the transition process, posing the question, “How long does it take an elderly person to adjust to assisted living?”
A Typical Timeline of Adjustment to Assisted Living
While the amount of time it may take for an individual to adjust to assisted living varies significantly on a case-by-case basis, the process generally has similar phases for all seniors. Factors that can influence the amount of time it takes the individual to adjust include the quality of the assisted living environment and the previous experiences they may have had. A general adjustment timeline includes the following:
The Initial Few Days
During the initial few days, seniors are likely to feel unsettled, worried, and missing the home that they were living in before. As they are not used to the new environment and daily activities, they may be feeling confused and out of place. Therefore, it is critical to transition your loved one to a facility that provides a warm and welcoming environment, thus easing the process.
During this time, the senior will start to meet other residents and staff. In the first few days, they will start to form relationships with people in the community, but it may take a while until they feel as if they are truly accepted and integrated. Moving your loved one to an assisted living facility with friendly and compassionate staff can help them form meaningful connections faster.
The First Couple of Weeks
In the first few weeks, your loved one will start to become familiar with the new environment and associated routines. Furthermore, they will start to understand more about how the community functions, along with their preferences and place within the facility. The loved one will also start to further develop existing relationships with residents and staff, helping them feel connected with their new community.
After the elder is adequately settled in, they can start to participate in social activities and other forms of creative expression. This can help combat feelings of homesickness and facilitate the formation of connections with other residents. Assisted living centers that offer a myriad of options to meet the creative passions of your loved one can help their mental acuity and put them in a meaningful position in the community.
The First Months
After the first few months, seniors will likely have already established a daily routine in which they know what to expect and can enjoy stability again. With their newfound routine, they may feel more settled into assisted living and will start to feel the mental health benefits of being part of a new close-knit community with a myriad of social activities. They will also understand that they have not been abandoned by their loved ones back home.
Existing relationships that were developing in the first few weeks can turn into deeply meaningful connections, allowing the senior to start feeling a sense of belonging and happiness. At this stage, they may realize that assisted living was the right decision, as they have overcome the challenges of transitioning and have now developed meaningful connections and a routine that fits their lifestyle and passions.
The Role of the Assisted Living Center
To speed up the integration process, helping your loved one adjust more quickly and fall into a routine they prefer, it is critical to work with an assisted living center that offers compassionate, diligent staff. At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, our staff is here to provide a wide variety of services and activities, even taking special requests to help meet your loved one’s needs, allowing them to thrive in their new home.
FAQs
Q: Why Do Seniors Resist Assisted Living?
A: While not all seniors resist moving to assisted living, many may be reluctant to make the transition due to the fear that they are being abandoned by their loved ones, along with the uncertainty associated with the move. Furthermore, if they are in the family home, it can be difficult to move from a place that is associated with key life milestones and memories. Therefore, it is critical to practice reassuring language with your loved one, focusing on the benefits of assisted living.
Q: How Do I Deal With Putting a Parent in Assisted Living?
A: As the transition from home to assisted living can be complicated and emotional, it is critical to stay patient and compassionate with your loved one. To empower them in the assisted living moving process, you can include them in visits and tours of centers, ensuring that they are included in the decision-making process. Finally, consider working with a professional, such as a social worker or healthcare provider, to help with the transition process.
Q: How Do You Tell an Elderly Parent That They Are Moving to Assisted Living?
A: To let your loved one know about your plans to move them to assisted living, it is important to initiate the conversation at a time when they are calm and in a location where they feel safe. It’s important to use clear and simple communication, focusing on the reasons for the move and the associated benefits. Emphasize to your parent that you are not abandoning them one and that you will visit them frequently and continue to have an active role in their life.
Q: What Happens When Assisted Living Is Not Enough?
A: When the health status of a patient significantly declines, necessitating increased medical care and support with daily activities, assisted living may not be enough. Therefore, residents will typically move to a skilled memory care unit or nursing facility so they can receive around-the-clock medical support and assistance. For those with terminal illnesses, it may be necessary to move to hospice care to receive palliative care and enjoy enhanced comfort.
Ease the Transition Process With Rocky Mountain Assisted Living
The transition to assisted living is emotionally charged for both seniors and their loved ones. At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, we are here to make the transition as smooth as possible, helping your loved one see the enhanced comfort and benefits associated with our assisted living centers.
Our staff and the residents treat each other like family, strengthening community and support networks to make the transition process easier. To discuss the challenges and benefits associated with transitioning to assisted living, contact our staff today.