What to Expect When Moving into Senior Living

What to Expect When Moving into Senior Living

Moving into a senior living community is a significant lifestyle change which can trigger many emotions in older people. It’s a perfectly normal reaction to have. Leaving one’s home where they’ve lived for decades for a whole new way of life can cause fear, anxiety, excitement, and hope to rush to the surface.

As a senior living advisor in the Nashville Metro and Middle Tennessee, I’ve helped dozens of seniors find the best senior living community to suit their needs. At first, the idea of relocating might seem jarring, but the number of success stories I’ve been involved with proves the benefits of moving almost always outweighs the concerns.

If you or a loved one are thinking of moving into an independent living or assisted living/memory care apartment within a senior living community, I’ve provided a list of what you can expect when transitioning into these wonderful places.

Comfortable residences to make your own

Whether in independent living or assisted living/memory care, your community staff wants you to feel right at home. That starts with your new residence. Depending on its size, you can bring some furniture from your home to help you settle in, such as an easy chair, sofa, end tables, nightstand, lamps, and more. You can also decorate with treasured pictures, keepsakes, clocks, artwork, and flowers. It’s your home – make it warm, relaxing, and as comfortable as you like.

A welcoming staff excited to see you

Senior living communities have welcome ambassadors on hand to greet you and answer your questions. They’ll show you around the community and introduce you to staff members and your new neighbors. Their primary role is to help you settle into your new lifestyle as easily as possible.

New friendships with other residents and staff

Senior living communities work hard to get their residents, particularly their new residents, to socialize and interact with others, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people during activities, meals, and your daily contact with other residents and staff . Whether you choose to build new relationships right away or at your own pace, making new friends will help you feel more at home over the long term. In Assisted Living, having friendly relationships with the staff will help them learn about and better support your needs.

More free time than ever before

Assisted living communities, and most independent living communities, offer in-home services to help with everyday tasks such as home maintenance, transportation, and housekeeping. These services are included with the monthly rent. Having these responsibilities taken care of for you will leave you with more free time to partake in the things you enjoy such as participating in the community activities, socializing with your friends, exercising, or simply relaxing and enjoying your additional time.

Assistance with medical and personal care

Assisted Living communities offer or arrange for a wide range of medical services and therapies, including medication management services. Assisted living also provides personal assistance with residents’ activities of daily living (ADLs) such as assistance with dressing, bathing, and grooming. The additional charge for these services is called the level of care. The level of care cost will depend on the amount of assistance a resident requires.

Enhanced safety and security

Most assisted and independent living residences have built-in safety features such as emergency alert buttons, pull cords, and grab bars to enhance safety in the home. Most communities have emergency response plans in place in the event of a dangerous situation. Memory care units within assisted living have extra security protocols to ensure that every resident is safe, secure, and accounted for.

Nutritious food options

You might find that dining options with your senior community are among the finest you’ve ever had. The healthy, delicious menus can be customized to your lifestyle, medical, or religious requirements. Share meals with your new friends in the comfortable dining hall or have them delivered to your residence for a quiet dinner at home. Independent living often includes one meal per day with options to purchase additional meals. Assisted living communities include three meals per day with your monthly fees.

Physical fitness activities

Most senior living communities offer physical activities to help preserve your health and well-being. Enjoy fitness classes such as yoga, Tai Chi, or cardio in the community gym or other activity space. Many assisted living communities focus on exercise using an all-abilities approach so everyone can be included despite physical limitations.

New skills and experiences

You’ll have ample opportunities to learn a new hobby or expand on an existing interest designed to help you stay mentally stimulated. Enjoy art and music classes, guest speakers, book clubs, discussion groups, and more. Discover a new hidden talent or passion and share it with like-minded friends.

Transitioning to a senior living community may seem overwhelming, but the staff will do everything they can to help you feel supported every step of the way. Take advantage of your new lifestyle and everything the community has to offer. Once you get the rhythm of the community, you might wish you’d made the move years earlier!

No-cost help finding a senior living community in the Nashville Metro area and Middle Tennessee

Searching for a senior living community for yourself or an elderly loved one can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it alone or for the first time. When families in the Nashville Metro area or Middle Tennessee need a senior living advisor, they contact Tim Tuttle of Assisted Living Locators at 615-375-3553 or timt@assistedlivinglocators.com.

Tim’s expert guidance, exhaustive research, and trusted partnership help families make the most informed choice possible, all at no cost to you or your family.

Start making the search for the best-fit senior living community easier by getting in touch with us today. We’re always happy to help!

Contact Us Today For Help.

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