How to Help Your Parent Transition into Assisted Living

While we recognize the many benefits of assisted living communities, any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly a big change for most seniors. This is why experts have tips to help families support their loved one during the transition. 

A couple of common problems families encounter are a parent feeling abandoned or frustrated by a perceived loss of independence. Your loved one may also experience problems adjusting to a new routine. They may resent having to downsize and moving from their own home to a smaller apartment. 

Psychologist Dr. Deborah L. Stote explains it will help seniors adjust to their new home if they get encouragement and support from their family during their first days and weeks at the assisted living community. She says seniors “need positive reassurance that they are moving into a new chapter of their lives, rather than ending the life they have always known.” However, Dr. Stote cautions families not to do too much “handholding.” Being too protective can be counterproductive and prevent them from trying to make an adjustment to their new home. 

While transitioning to assisted living can be difficult for some seniors, others quickly realize the advantage of no longer having to worry about their homes’ upkeep or needing to prepare their own meals. Their earlier feelings of resentment or sadness turn into feelings of gratitude as they understand their new home is better equipped to help them maintain their independence and can give them the support and care they need. 

The MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community is scheduled to open in late 2019 and looks forward to filling the niche in the area for luxury senior living. Our staff will be comprised of individuals who feel it is a privilege to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. Also our onsite Information Center is now open and we look forward to meeting potential residents and their families. Please visit our website for contact information and directions to our community. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about one of the top senior living communities in Happy Valley. 

Source: assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/