What to Expect When Moving to a Senior Living Community
Brian SheridanSep 6th, 2022
Being placed into a Senior Living Community from the family home can trigger many different emotions in older people. Fear, anxiety, excitement, and hope can all rush to the surface as you leave a place you’ve created memories in for decades to start a whole new journey.
As a Senior Living Advisor in Northeast Florida, I understand that the idea of relocation may be upsetting at first. However, the number of success stories I’ve been involved with proves that the benefits of joining a Senior Living community outweigh the concerns.
I thought it would be helpful to provide a list of what your elderly loved one can expect when moving into these communities designed for comfort, safety, and fun.
A comfortable new home just for you
Whether you’re moving into Independent Living or Assisted Living, feeling at home starts with your new residence. Depending on the unit’s size, you can bring your own furniture from home, such as an easy chair, sofa, end tables, and more, to help you feel right at home. You can also decorate it any way you like with family pictures, clocks, keepsakes, artwork, and plants. This is your new home – make it as warm, relaxing, and comfortable as you like.
A staff excited to welcome you
Many Senior Living Communities have welcome ambassadors on hand to greet you when you arrive. They’ll answer all your questions, show you around the community, and introduce you to staff members and other community residents. They aim to do everything they can to help you settle into your new lifestyle as smoothly as possible.
New friends and neighbours
Senior Living Communities encourage socializing and interaction between residents, especially newcomers. You’ll have plenty of time to meet new people during activities, meals, and regular contact with other residents. However, you’re welcome to take things at your own pace. You’ll also start developing friendly relationships with staff, who will take the opportunity to learn more about you to better support your needs.
Ample free time to spend how you like
Assisted Living Communities and many Independent Living Communities give you access to a wide range of in-home services, such as housekeeping and home maintenance. Having these responsibilities taken care of for you will provide you with more free time to spend on activities you enjoy. Whether you choose to participate in activities, socialize with others, exercise, or simply relax, enjoy your additional free time entirely on your own terms.
Meal options that focus on nutrition
Many residents have told me that dining options in Senior Living Communities are among the best they’ve ever had. Professional chefs prepare healthy, delicious meals that can be customized to your lifestyle, medical, or religious requirements. You can opt to share meals with your new friends in the spacious, comfortable dining hall or have them delivered to your residence for a quiet dinner at home. Depending on the type of community you’re in, 1 – 3 meals are included with your rent. Best of all, there are fewer or no more worries about food shopping, cooking, or washing and putting away dishes!
Enjoy physical fitness activities
Most Senior Living Communities offer physical fitness programs and activities to promote optimal health and well-being. Enjoy fitness classes such as cardio, yoga, or Tai Chi in the community gym or other activity spaces. Many programs focus on providing fitness activities with an all-abilities approach so people with mobility or physical limitations can participate.
New skills and hobbies
Learn a new hobby or expand on an existing interest designed to help you stay stimulated and engaged. Senior Living Communities offer ample opportunities to enjoy art and music classes, book clubs, guest speakers, discussion groups, and more. Share your new hidden talent or passion with your new friends and family!
Medical and personal care support
Many Assisted Living communities provide residents with a wide range of medical services, including medication management, and personal support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and grooming. Most of these services are included in the rent for Assisted Living residences.
Enhanced safety and security
Most residences in Senior Living Communities have built-in safety features such as grab bars, pull cords, and emergency alert buttons. Most communities also have emergency response plans in place in the event of a dangerous situation. Memory Care units, designed for people with cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, have additional security protocols that ensure every resident is safe, secure, and accounted for.
Being apprehensive about transitioning into a Senior Living Community is perfectly natural. However, the staff will do everything they can to make you feel right at home. Once you start taking advantage of everything the community offers, you might wish you’d made the move years earlier!
No-cost help finding quality Senior Living Communities in Northeast Florida
Deciding which Senior Living Community is best for your elderly loved one can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it alone or for the first time.
That’s why families looking for Senior Living Communities in Northeast Florida call Brian Sheridan of Assisted Living Locators. Brian and his team will take the time to get to know your elderly loved one’s needs, wants, and requirements and present a list of best-fit options that suit their lifestyle. With Brian on your side, you’ll have all the information you need to make the most informed decision possible.
Contact Brian at 904-559-3203 or bsheridan@assistedlivinglocators.com to find the Best Senior Living Community in Northeast Florida for you or a family member today!