Chatham Place BLOG

TURNING ASSISTED LIVING INTO HOME: FOUR TIPS FOR A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

October 16, 2023 / By admin / No Comments

Moving into Assisted Living is a big transition! It means becoming familiar with a new support system…while moving your belongings into an unfamiliar place.

With the right amount of planning, though, your new place will feel like home.

We’ve got four tips to help you create a home-like environment at Assisted Living.

Tip #1:  Identify the Right Staff

The most important part of making sure your Assisted Living facility feels like home is choosing a place with the right staff.

When you move into Assisted Living, the staff will be supporting you day in and day out.

How they treat their residents, the care they provide, and the general atmosphere of the campus will greatly affect your daily experience.

So, before finalizing your decision, research the staff and visit the campus to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

 

Tip #2: Get to Know the Community—Get Involved!

Taking part in community events and gatherings is key to a healthy social life. Getting to know the people around you will help you feel welcome and at home in your new space.
● Start by building meaningful connections with those around you, beginning with your next-door neighbor. Gaining friends in your new home will help you enjoy your time and connect to your new community.
● Engage in Community Activities. Each facility hosts a variety of activities for residents. These might include arts and crafts, exercise, social gatherings, and more. Push yourself to participate. In the process, you will join in on the fun and get to know new people.
● Explore your surroundings. Get curious. Go on field trips and explore your new surroundings. Doing this with new friends makes it so much fun.

 

Tip #3: Furnish Your New Place

Home isn’t just where the heart is, it’s where all our stuff is!

When you first transition into Assisted Living, you may experience some frustration about how to fit your possessions into your new space. That’s perfectly normal.

Make it fun! Once you know the size and layout of your new home, you can start decorating with ease and excitement.

● Use your move as a chance to minimize, streamline, and simplify. Remember. that’s one of the reasons you are choosing to move to Assisted Living! Having less “stuff” can give you more ease and freedom. (It’s a great feeling!)
● Be selective- use this as a chance to choose what you love most and let the rest go. Identify the furniture and decorations that will transition into your new space well, and gift, donate, sell, or store the remainder.
● Prefer a fresh start? Work with friends and family to acquire new items for the space.
● Don’t think of just the physical items. Bring the scents that feel like home to you. The combination of appearance and smell will make your new place feel like home in no time.

 

Tip #4: Keep Family & Friends Close

As you make the transition, be sure to stay connected to your loved ones and longtime friends.

There are lots of ways that you can stay close to family and friends when you move into Assisted Living, but here are just a few:

● Invite them for visits or community events. Take a look at the calendar each month and make some invitations. You will be staying connected to your loved ones AND your new community.
● Use phone calls and video chats to stay connected. Technology is great! Connection is just a few clicks away.
● Utilize campus transportation to visit them. At Chatham Place, we offer curb-to-curb transportation so you can get around without the headache of driving. Take advantage of this service to go out to lunch, attend church, or catch a movie with friends and relatives.

 

Say Hello to Your New Home

The transition to Assisted Living is undoubtedly a significant change, but with careful planning and thoughtful consideration, it can transform into a fulfilling and enriching experience.

Engaging with the community is essential for a vibrant social life, fostering connections that will make your new space truly feel like home.

Furnishing your new place becomes an exciting opportunity to curate a space filled with items that bring you joy while keeping connections with family and friends close ensures a network of support and love.

By implementing these four tips, you can navigate the transition smoothly and create a warm, welcoming environment in your new Assisted Living home.
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Chatham Place at Mary Wade is home to all of its residents, combining kind, expert staff members with community programming that keeps everyone connected. We pride ourselves on taking an individualized approach to our residents’ care and making sure each person finds happiness, belonging, and engagement. Learn more about Chatham Place at Mary Wade today.

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