As people age, there are fewer new and foreign experiences in life. It may therefore seem scary to move to a senior living community. For most of us who have lived alone or with family for most of our lives, having so much more activity in your neighborhood may seem really overwhelming. For others, it might seem like an event that strips you of your freedom – your apartment may be smaller, there may be fewer food options around, and having professional team members around all the time might seem really intimidating.
We understand that this is a very big change, so here are some steps that you can take to get settled in your new home!
Do Not Rush Yourself
As with any other big change, you will need time to adjust and get used to the new environment. You might have certain expectations of how fast you can get settled in or what you want to accomplish or try in the senior living community. However, it might benefit you to take the time to appreciate the experience and simply go with the flow. Take time to slowly unpack your belongings and make your new apartment your home. Perhaps you can even ask your family and friends to come and help with the unpacking and in the process, decorate or relive experiences together.
During the process, do make sure to be aware of your mental state. There isn’t a competition for who makes the most friends on the first day! Take your time to slowly explore the community and build up a routine at your own comfortable pace. In due time, you can start to set realistic goals for yourself. Maybe it is attending a weekly yoga program or learning a new skill to impress your friends. Take this time to make sure that the change is a healthy process for you and your mental state.
Remember That You Are Not Alone
Even if you are moving into the senior living community alone, remember that you are not alone. If you feel shy or lonely, invite your family and friends to go with you! Most communities are able to accommodate visits and may even have rooms for parties and private dining. Having people that you are familiar with can make it easier to talk to strangers or to make a foreign environment less intimidating.
Something else to keep in mind too is that everyone else in the senior living community had to undergo this big choice and move too! Make friends with your neighbors or see if there is an orientation program for people who had just moved in. Talking to someone who has already lived in the community for a while will give you a clearer idea of what is worth your time, and they might even be willing to show you around.
Check Out the Amenities and Activity Calendar
When you are ready, one of the best ways to introduce purpose to your life is to explore the different amenities and activities that are available. Most senior living communities will have exclusive senior living programs or an activity calendar. This will allow you to look forward to something different each day by learning new things, socializing, or even by finding your new favorite spot to relax!
At the end of the day, if you feel uncomfortable with your senior living community, it is still important to voice out to either a team member or your family and friends. Senior living should be a stress-free and worry-free experience where you can live life to its fullest. For more information on the senior living options at Discovery Commons At Wildewood, contact us today.
