Does the thought of moving to a senior living community seem enticing but give you butterflies in your stomach? If so, you can likely relate to senior living residents who considered the idea but took several weeks, months, or even years to make the transition.
What if transitioning to a senior living community was easier than you thought?
For the many residents who say, “I wish I moved sooner,” it might be!
This article explores four common reasons why a move to senior living may be easier than you think.
Fear of the Unknown
It’s human nature to wait for perfect conditions before making a change. Unfamiliar experiences are not our preference and a transition to senior living is no exception.
When we reject the idea of change because the outcome feels uncertain, we are not only limited by our choices, but we put our health, habits, and lifestyle at risk. Author and consultant, Gustavo Razzetti writes in “How to Overcome the Fear of Change,” Psychology Today (2018), that “On one hand, we are hardwired to resist uncertainty—our brain prefers a predictable, negative outcome over an uncertain one. On the other hand, our mind is flexible and adaptive—it can be trained to thrive in change.”
Residents who experience a successful transition to senior living have done just that – adopted a flexible, adaptive mindset that allows them to thrive in change. Let’s review reasons a move can be positive and beneficial for a senior willing to consider a change.
What Makes the Transition Easier?
The following are four ways senior living communities support prospective residents and families to ensure a successful transition.
1. Expert Advice During the Move-In Process & Beyond
The senior living transition is simplified for seniors and their families with expert advice offered throughout the move-in process. Applying years of experience working with older adults who have faced similar emotions and life circumstances, senior living counselors are well-equipped to guide families to the best outcome.
Whether that outcome involves a move-in in their community or not, senior care counselors are committed to fostering relationships, partnering with prospects to address concerns, and working with families to resolve questions and challenges.
When a prospective resident moves into a community, their network of support broadens to include team members from multiple departments who share a commitment to a positive resident and family experience. New resident orientation is scheduled and introductions to other members of the community are facilitated, along with a comprehensive plan to ensure residents feel welcomed, comfortable, and well-informed about community routines and events.
2. A Community You Can Depend On
Experiencing a sense of community and a feeling of belonging is essential to our well-being. Unfortunately, as we age, finding the camaraderie and support we need to thrive can be difficult, especially for seniors living alone.
During a transition to senior living, prospective residents can expect to be greeted by new friends and neighbors who have faced similar fears and challenges before deciding to move. Residents can enjoy shared conversation, hobbies, visits, fitness routines, meals, social events, outings, and programs while adjusting to community life at their own pace.
For some individuals, this process happens quickly a few days or weeks, and for others, it may take more time – a few months or even several months. Regardless of how long it takes to transition, residents are surrounded by a caring community of people they can depend on.
This atmosphere offers great peace of mind to family members, especially those juggling multiple roles or struggling to provide the emotional support their loved ones need. Knowing that friends, neighbors, community staff, and even volunteers are part of their loved one’s support network – on their best and worst days – is reassuring.
3. More Meaningful Visits with Family Members
A common concern shared by some older adults when considering a senior living move is the assumption that family members or loved ones won’t visit them as often once they relocate. What they may not realize is the opposite is most often true.
Independent and assisted living communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle to help relieve responsibilities placed on seniors and family members or caregivers. Those who provide frequent, occasional, or even minimal assistance for a loved one can benefit from this support.
With home maintenance, housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, and other tasks handled by community staff, family members can enjoy more meaningful visits with their loved ones. Instead of running errands and cleaning closets at a loved one’s home, imagine strolling the community’s grounds or enjoying a fine evening meal and entertainment during the next visit. This additional time can be spent sharing memories and meaningful connections with your loved one.
4. Assistance and Support – That May Extend Your Life
Moving to a senior living community may help to extend your life – another reason many seniors confess they wish they had made the transition sooner.
According to new research conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, with a grant from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, “older adults who live in senior housing communities live longer, receive more home health services and benefit from greater rehabilitative and preventive care in the two years following move-in than those who do not.”
The study explored the ways senior housing and care communities support older adults by integrating health care and housing and keeping seniors healthy at home for as long as possible. With access to a wide range of care services and a network of clinical professionals available in the community itself, senior living provides an option that allows older adults to age in place at home while managing the cost of care over time.
The advantage of transitioning to a senior living continuum community is especially clear, as evidenced by the findings above. Senior living residents benefit from a wide range of on-site housing and healthcare options while avoiding the rising costs and/or inferior care of private pay health services.
Ready to Try Out the Transition?
Asking for help and support while making the transition to senior living is expected in any senior living community. Rather than fear the unknown, rely on your years of experience, confidence, and resilience, and be patient and kind to yourself as you adjust to this life change.
To learn more about Edgemere’s award-winning independent and assisted living options, downsizing resources, and healthcare services, contact us today. An Edgemere senior living expert will partner with you and your loved one to ensure a successful senior living transition.
Schedule a tour and visit our premiere senior living campus in the heart of North Dallas. See how community living can offer the vibrant lifestyle you or your loved one is looking for.
