Stability is important for senior citizens; it gives them a sense of belonging while sharing a roof with their loved ones. However, it is not always possible for all senior citizens to live so, for various reasons.
The senior living industry is growing rapidly and is now a preferred option for many senior citizens due to the comfort of customised services. However, the transition to a senior home can be stressful or cause anxiety. Here’s how to make a smooth transition for a comfortable retired life
Stability is important for senior citizens; it gives them a sense of belonging while sharing a roof with their loved ones. However, it is not always possible for all senior citizens to live so, for various reasons.
The absence of interaction due to a hectic work schedule of their children or instances where their children might have migrated to other places or even abroad for work and livelihood might leave him with a vacuous feeling, leading to a sense of feeling lost, boredom, loneliness or even a lack of purpose. All this can lead to depression, which can be extremely detrimental to their health and mental well-being.
Senior living is a viable option for such elderly people as they get to socialise with other people of their age group. However, the sudden change in environment, one where they have been living with their family for decades or years to a senior living facility with new neighbours can be daunting, and even cause anxiety and uncertainty.
As such, it is important for their family members support them during this period of change to ensure they do not feel unloved and lonely in this crucial phase of their life. A smooth transition is important to ease them into a new life journey and encourage them to socialise and experience.
Senior living facilities consists of private homes or apartments for senior citizens where they can enjoy community living within the facility and interact and socialise with other senior citizens of their age.
It allows them to meet new people and expand their otherwise dwindling social circle, which might be limited to a few known friends, family and a few co-workers.
Says Ananatharam Varayur, co-founder of Manasum Senior Living: “When a person moves to a senior living community where they purchase a home, they are essentially investing in a new lifestyle that combines independent living with added support and services. These communities offer a range of facilities designed to enhance the quality of life, from food and beverage service, healthcare, housekeeping to recreational activities and social opportunities.”
Here are some key considerations one must look out for in a senior living facility.
Level Of Care: According to Varayur, the senior living community must provide appropriate medical, physical, and emotional care, for it can greatly help seniors feel supported and secure in their new environment.
Safety And Accessibility: Senior living facility should provide features, such as grab bars, ramps, emergency systems, wheelchair-friendly doors, stretcher-friendly lifts, and panic alarms. This will ensure that the senior living community is safe and provides mobility and accessibility to senior residents. Varayur says that thoughtful additions help create a secure environment where seniors can move around with confidence.
Quality Of Staff: Family members and seniors should ensure staff professionalism, kindness, availability, and an appropriate staff-to-resident ratio for a comfortable stay in a senior living facility. This is to ensure that residents receive attentive and compassionate care.
Amenities And Activities: The senior living community should offer a variety of activities and amenities that cater to residents’ interests, promoting engagement and enhancing their quality of life.
Varayur adds, “By choosing the right senior living community and these above-mentioned factors, this new chapter can offer greater independence, security, and a vibrant community experience to senior residents.”
Varayur suggests key points as to how the family may make this transitioning period easier for seniors.0
Encourage Social Connections: Encouraging social connections can help shift their focus and keep them engaged. It offers an opportunity to enjoy new experiences, learn different things, and build meaningful relationships within the community, thus making their transition more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Providing Reassurance: By emphasising the advantages of living in a senior community, such as the convenience of on-site services, the availability of healthcare, and the chance to engage in fun activities with people of their own age group, seniors can enjoy a worry-free retired life, adding to their mental peace, and allowing them to relax as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Providing Practical Assistance: By helping with the logistics of the move; arranging transportation, setting up utilities, and familiarising them with key services in the community—this transition can be eased. This support allows them to feel more comfortable and develop a sense of belonging within their new environment.
According to Varayur, family members can follow a few tips to ensure a wholesome transition process, such as ensuring the provision of healthy meals, availability of assistance, personalised support and facilities that allow senior residents to keep themselves engaged and busy.
Availability Of Nutritious Homely Meals: The availability of well-balanced, home-style meals can help ease the transition by ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for, making it easier to adjust to the new environment.
Housekeeping Services: If housekeeping services are well-taken care of, senior residents can focus on settling down and relaxing without having to worry for daily chores, thus allowing them to enjoy a more peaceful and stress-free adjustment period.
Personalised Support: Ensuring their personal needs are met, whether it’s through healthcare services or daily activities, will help them feel secure and supported.
Establish A Routine: By encouraging them to participate in regular activities or routines, senior residents can feel more settled and create a sense of stability in their new home.
Introduce Them To The Community: Introducing them to fellow residents and encouraging them to build relationships can help them feel more connected and ease the process of settling in.