No matter your age, change can be difficult. As you make the decision to move into an assisted living community, it can be hard to move from your current home and into a new apartment. You’re likely downsizing and the thought of moving can be daunting for many reasons.
Not only are you leaving a familiar environment, but you’re also having to adjust to a new lifestyle.
Making Your New Assisted Living Apartment Feel More Like Home
The good news is: most senior living communities allow you to personalize your new apartment so you can bring some familiar comforts of home along to help you feel more comfortable in your new home.
Here are a few simple steps to help you bring along your memories, maintain your autonomous decorating style, and even get excited about the prospect of moving:
- Communicate your desires to your loved ones. Their experiences and opinions will not be the same as yours, so it’s important to voice your perspective and what’s important to you. They will likely be thinking about your safety and overall well-being when talking about your move, and they might not be thinking that you’ll be leaving your home and the memories it has provided. Establish good communication from the beginning to ensure the process is as smooth and painless as possible.
- Focus on the positive. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with a range of emotions when considering a move to an assisted living community. However, most seniors report absolutely loving their new home and lifestyle and appreciate the mountain of responsibility removed from their shoulders after moving in. Focus on things like no longer needing to mow the grass (or keep a law mower in working order), maintain a home to keep it in pristine condition, or even worry about driving yourself for errands or appointments (most senior living communities provide stress-free transportation services).
- Prepare to purge. Downsizing often comes with letting go of a large chunk of personal belongings. People that hold more sentimental value on things may have a more difficult time with this task as it can be difficult to say goodbye to treasured items. Set a time limit each day and organize things into 3 categories: 1) things you can easily let go, 2) things that will be difficult to part with, and 3) things that you absolutely must keep. It’s best to do this in short intervals as you don’t want to become overwhelmed. Toss or donate category 1 and revisit category 2 several times. Maybe you can pass some things from category 2 on to friends or loved ones or even donate to your favorite local charity where they will put the item(s) to good use. Get creative! Then pack up your must-have items into labeled boxes to move into your new apartment.
- Go shopping. Many times, seniors get so caught up in the past and the memories associated with their old home that they forget that they’re on a new, exciting adventure. Go shopping and find some artwork or decor that brings you joy and purchase it for your new apartment to commemorate this next chapter of your life. You may also want to purchase some photo frames, shelves, etc. to display sentimental photos around your new apartment. If you want to splurge, go all out and get a new bed set, some cozy blankets and pillows, a new piece of furniture, and other items that will soften your new apartment and make it more cozy and welcoming for you and your guests.
Give Yourself Time To Adjust
All good things take time. Give yourself time to warm up to your new home, lifestyle, neighbors, and friends. You may want to take some time to settle in before you dive right into activity calendars and social events. Start by committing to one new thing per week until you feel ready to fully immerse yourself in the day-to-day activities of the community.
Invite your loved ones to visit you in your new home so you have familiar faces to help you get through the transition period.
Most communities have a good welcome routine for new residents, so take advantage of whatever they offer as you move in.
Most seniors grow to love the safety, camaraderie, and lifestyle that a senior living community has to offer, but of course, you are your own person. If you’re still feeling deep sadness after a few weeks in your new apartment, it’s important to chat with your doctor about possible depression.
Great senior living communities go above and beyond to make sure your move is as seamless and painless as possible. They’ll go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and at home.
So, be sure to visit and interview a few communities before you decide to make sure it will be a great fit for you!
Come Home To Auburn Hill Senior Living
Auburn Hill is devoted to providing you with a welcoming and comfortable environment where you can easily adapt, thrive and enjoy life – just like at home. From our caring and attentive team to enriching amenities that create a strong sense of community and friendship, our focus is to offer you quality care that is personal and thoughtful.
Engaging activities that encourage interaction with neighbors and our team members are the key to an easy-going setting that inspires fun, joy, and laughter. New neighbors become new friends and team members become family.
At Auburn Hill you get to decide on how to live your life. Make an appointment at the Beauty and Barber Shop, join your neighbors for a matinee at the Theatre, or relax quietly with a book in the library. Enjoy a freshly ground cup of coffee in the Bistro, or a workout in the fitness room… or simply soak in the views of the Swift Creek Reservoir. Stay engaged in the local community with weekly outings to restaurants, concerts, sporting events, and more.
When you are ready to enjoy life in a community that is lively, charming, and inspired – we’ll be ready to say WELCOME HOME!