Any move involves change, and no matter what stage of life a person is in, having support from family and friends can help make the transition go more smoothly. If your loved one is moving into one of the retirement homes near South Palm Beach, FL, there are several ways to help ease the transition process. Below are ways that you can encourage your loved one to see moving into a retirement community as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Reassure Them of the Decision
There are many things you may do to reassure your loved one that their decision to move into a retirement home is the correct one. Take them on a visit to their new home, for instance, to assist them to become used to the area, residents, and team members before moving day.
Making a schedule of family visits helps comfort them that they will be surrounded by familiar people during the adjustment. The most essential thing is to be a good listener and an encouraging voice when they openly share their concerns if they are nervous about the relocation.
Assist Your Loved One to Pack
If your loved one is downsizing from their current residence, they may also require your physical assistance with the transfer. Help them go through their possessions and select what they will save for emotional value, what they will keep for use in the future, and what they will no longer need in their new home and may gift to family or donate to a good cause. Undoubtedly, reducing the stress of the actual transfer will ease the adjustment as a whole.
Help them Create a Homey Atmosphere
Make it feel like their new home to emphasize that they are relocating there. Give them similar furnishings and emotional items to help them recreate the ambiance of their former house. Framed family portraits and artwork created by their grandkids may provide a personal touch. Throughout the year, add seasonal happiness by decorating their apartments with various holiday-themed items. They will undoubtedly feel better about moving into a retirement community if they have a cheery and cheerful living place to return to each day.
Encourage Them to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
It’s crucial to encourage your loved ones to participate in their new community while still remaining active in their lives. Your loved one will have plenty of opportunities to meet new friends and pursue their existing activities while being physically and emotionally engaged here at Mariposa.
If they used to work out every morning before work, suggest they try one of our entertaining fitness programs, like line dancing or water aerobics. Encourage them to think about participating in a resident council committee, or planning a community service project, if they were involved in their neighborhood association or served on a school board.
Maintain Regular Contact
Establishing a plan of frequent visits and trips that are timed to correspond with your loved one’s best moods might help the transition go more smoothly by creating a sense of familiarity. Try to schedule phone calls, video chats, emails that keep them informed about your family, and even surprise letters if you don’t live close by. Regular communication can provide them with a forum to talk about and celebrate their daily victories as well as help them feel more upbeat through difficult times.