It’s never easy for anyone to leave a home they’ve lived in their entire lives and move to a new place, which is why most elderly people will never do so of their own volition. However, it’s always possible for them to adjust to a new way of life if they do certain things. If you’re about to move into an assisted living facility, here are seven things you should keep in mind to make sure that you have the best experience possible:
1. Address your biases
This is a difficult thing for an elderly person to do, as they have been doing the same thing their whole lives, but it’s key to speeding up the adjustment process. When you’re biased against something, it will be very difficult for you to adjust. You will close yourself off to new experiences as you will already perceive them to be negative, which is why it’s essential to drop such biases as soon as possible so that you can enjoy your time at the facility.
2. Ask questions
When you’re in a completely new environment, the only way to really learn about it is to ask the questions that are on your mind. Therefore, if you feel like you’re having a hard time adjusting, the best thing to do is to ask the staff and your peers at the facility how things are done there.
3. Build a support system
If your family members don’t have the time to visit you as often as you want them to, the best thing for you to do is to make friends with the other residents in the facility. You can relate to each other’s situations, so it’s easier for you to understand each other. Therefore, if you don’t have a support system, it’s better to build one at the residence.
4. Keep a positive mindset
As you get older, you will come down with certain conditions that you may not be used to. They may make you feel like less of a person, but that’s a mentality that you need to avoid because it can make you anxious and depressed. You want to be as comfortable and happy as possible in an assisted living facility, so you should try to keep a positive mindset at all times.
5. Keep in touch with your family
You should have a schedule for getting in touch with your family. Not only is that a great way to maintain your relationships, but it will make you feel better while you’re there. Some elderly folks feel distant from their family because they are afraid to call their children and other relatives, which is a legitimate concern. However, as long as you stick to the schedule you agreed upon, you can always look forward to calling them every week.
6. Try to learn something new
The best way to feel good about yourself is to learn something new. When you get older, you will start to forget things. The longer you go without engaging your brain, the sooner it will happen. Doing something new is the best way to keep your mind sharp. This will also help you adjust to a new environment by giving you something else to focus on, which can alleviate your stress.
7. Bring personal items
Another great way to make an assisted living facility feel like home is to fill your room with things that remind you of home. If you have keepsakes that you’ve had for many years, bring them with you. This will allow you to relive your fondest, happiest memories, even just for a moment.
If you’re looking for assisted living accommodation in Edmonton, get in touch with us today!
We’re happy to help.
