How Long Is It Going to Take an Aging Senior to Adapt to Their New Life at Assisted Living?
Senior Living in Shavano Park TX: How Long Is It Going to Take an Aging Senior to Adapt to Their New Life at Assisted Living?
Making adjustments and adapting to new circumstances can be overwhelming for some. When an aging senior has finally considered assisted living for their future, whether this decision was arrived at with enthusiasm or some reluctance, there is going to be a period of time for adjustment.
Some people simply adjust faster than others.
It’s been noticed time and time again that even those seniors who were most enthusiastic about the prospect of assisted living took weeks and possibly even months to make the adjustment and take full advantage of the new benefits this living environment offered. At the other end of the spectrum, there have been seniors who were, for lack of a better term, far more reluctant to consider assisted living that adjusted within a matter of days.
When somebody is asking this question, they are often looking for concrete answers.
When it comes to transitions in life, there are no hard and fast rules. There are no concrete answers. Every person is different. Some will be more outgoing, energetic, and willing to explore their new environment. This is going to shorten the adjustment period significantly. Another senior might have a difficult time reaching out, meeting new people, and exploring the various activities and other benefits this new assisted living environment provides. If that’s the case, it could take far longer for him or her to make that adjustment.
Is there anything family can do to help?
Absolutely. The most important component of making adjustments to a new living environment is support. Being supportive and positive throughout the move and for the first several days and weeks after they have moved in is going to be crucial.
There needs to be a balance between stopping by to visit or calling too often and not enough. When family and friends continually stop by, they are most likely going to inadvertently keep the senior in his or her room. They will be anticipating these visits and more reluctant to explore the community around them. It’s a good idea to limit the number of physical visits and scheduled phone calls, at least for a little while.
Also, if the senior is anxious, nervous, or seems to have regrets, this is all considered normal. Most people can remember some of the homesick feelings they had the first time they left home, went off to summer camp for a few weeks, or headed out to college. Listening, offering words of encouragement, but holding steadfast in the belief that this is the perfect place for them right now is what’s going to help them make this transition.
It might take a few days, weeks, or possibly a little bit longer, but eventually almost every senior ends up thrilled to be at a quality assisted living community.
For more information about senior housing in Shavano Park, TX, contact Pipestone Place Assisted Living or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.
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