Secrets to Helping Your Loved One Settle into Their New Senior Living Home

Making the decision to move into a senior living home can be the first step toward newfound freedom and finding the support needed for living a high-quality lifestyle.  

But if you’re searching for ways to make the transition more easily or to help your loved ones begin feeling at home as soon as possible, there are a few secrets to success. 

Tips to help your loved one settle into their new senior living home 

Consider these suggestions to create a space that will soon be welcoming them home: 

Tip #1: Choose the right floorplan 

It’s easier to begin feeling comfortable if your loved ones were involved in choosing both the community and their living space. Hopefully, they were able to consider the layout, size, location and whether they have access to a patio or be in close proximity to the community room, dining venue, or elevator. 

Tip #2: Bring favorites 

Recreating a treasured corner or bringing along a special collection can jumpstart the feelings of being at home. Consider including a favorite reading chair, side table and lamp. A treasured quilt for their bed or a photo gallery of the grandchildren can bring reassurance of the familiar.    

Tip #3: Visit the neighborhood 

Familiarity with the area can also go a long way in helping your loved ones feel at home. Take time before the move-in date to drive around the new neighborhood and become acquainted. Point out where the doctor’s office, bank or movie theater is located. 

Tip #4: Spend time in the community  

Schedule a few visits to the community before moving in. Aside from the initial visit, arrange for your loved ones to share a meal with residents or participate in an activity with their new neighbors. These early steps can help them feel that they are already becoming connected. 

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Tip #5: Leave the clutter behind 

Encourage your parents to de-clutter  before making the move. Many residents are surprised at the freedom of letting go of accumulated possessions that have little to no value or use. Remind your loved ones they are downsizing their space, not their lives. 

Tip #6: Join in an activity or social event 

While it can take some time to get settled in to a new home, the sooner your parents join others in activities and social events, the quicker they will begin to form friendships and a sense of belonging. Encourage them to sign up for one activity to start. Help them identify something of interest. 

Tip #7: Reset the attitude 

Help your loved ones keep realistic expectations about the move. Apprehension is natural. It can help to understand that it will take some time to adjust and really feel at home. Encourage them to take it one day at a time and assure them they will soon be making friends and feel comfortable in their new space.  

Tip #8: Visit more often 

Depending on your loved ones’ preferences, offer to drop by more in the early days to help them transition to their new home. Help them meet the other residents, share a meal together or stop by at the end of the day to offer encouragement. However, you’ll want to make sure they are also beginning to meet others and are participating as members of their new community. 

Tip #9: Ask for help if needed 

Most residents transition to community life just fine but if your parents seem to be struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to the staff for guidance and suggestions. They can offer additional tips or arrange for your loved ones to meet others with similar interests or try activities that could help them begin to feel comfortable. 

Life at a Milestone Community 

If you’re looking at options for retirement living, we invite your family to visit one of our Milestone communities – designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life. 

We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We also offer studio, one and two-bedroom apartments in our independent living communities. 

Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs and secured outdoor courtyard spaces. 

Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible and be reassured that help is available whenever needed. 

In addition to our personalized services, we offer: 

If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit one of our communities. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to arrange a personal tour. 

We invite you to download our complimentary Senior Living Options Guide.

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