How Programming Supports the Transition to Senior Living
Acclimating to senior living can be difficult for even the most enthusiastic residents. With a new environment, new neighbors and a new routine, it can be a lot to take in. That’s why it’s so important to choose a facility with programming specifically designed to help new residents get acclimated to the community.
For example, a welcome committee may bring flowers and preferred snacks or gifts to help new residents feel at home on move-in day. In some communities, your loved one may even be assigned a special associate or resident friend to assist with familiarization to the setting during the adjustment period.
At Benchmark assisted living communities, residents are paired with an “angel” when they move in. This staff member meets with the resident one-on-one to work on a welcome card that features steps to complete together, such as:
- Reviewing the activity calendar
- Attending a program
- Having lunch with a department head
- And more
As the resident’s go-to person in the community, the “angel” also ensures that they receive personal invitations to programs of interest. This program is crucial to helping residents feel comfortable and confident in their new community.
“There’s an element of increased anxiety stemming from uncertainty when moving to a new setting, a new ‘home,’” says Michelle Tristani, Benchmark’s corporate director of memory care. “The connections each new resident makes with Benchmark Associates and other Residents are paramount to their sense of belonging, esteem, well-being and happiness.”
Whether it’s an “angel,” “transitional care companion,” “peer partner,” or something similar, finding a strong transitional program is an important way for your loved one to feel connected to the new community. For more tips on how to transition an elderly parent to assisted living, check out our blog post Preventing Isolation in Senior Living.
If you’re just starting this journey, consider taking this 5-minute survey to assess your situation and determine whether it’s the right time for senior living for you or your loved one.
