5 Tips to Help the Senior Feel Happier after Moving into Assisted Living
Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX
August is Happiness Happens Month and while that may seem like a bit of a tongue twister, it essentially means that a person’s happiness can happen at any time and for any reason. However, it is a proactive emotion. Somebody is not going to find happiness by sitting around watching television all day and watching the world float by beyond their windows.
For any senior who recently moved into an assisted living facility, they may feel overwhelmed by the new environment and have difficulty relaxing and enjoying themselves. Here are five tips that may just help them find happiness in this new home environment.
Tip #1: Don’t visit every single day.
As a family member, whether you are their adult child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or some other loved one, you may be concerned about their happiness and adjustment in this new situation. If you live close enough to them, you may be tempted just to stop by and visit with them every day so they at least have somebody to talk to.
This is only going to encourage them to remain in their room waiting for your visit.
Tip #2: Find out what activities are going on and relay that information.
The senior will likely already be informed of a variety of activities that go on, but when they hear from you, they may be more inclined to pay attention to it.
Tip #3: Encourage them to take advantage of the exercise facilities.
Many assisted living facilities today have exercise rooms. Even if your loved one is in her 80s, she can probably benefit from some level of exercise. If she hasn’t exercised in a long time, she should consult her doctor prior to taking on any new regimen.
Tip #4: Help the senior meet others.
The elderly individual may be shy and have difficulty meeting new people and while many facilities reach out and help their residents connect to one another, you might be able to visit her and help her meet other residents directly.
Tip #5: Get her out once in a while.
If somebody feels as though they are trapped in the same place every day, day after day and night after night, it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. If you live close enough and have the opportunity, pick up the elderly loved one in your life, take her out to a restaurant, to an art gallery, to the mall, or somewhere else she would enjoy going. This can help her feel as though she’s not trapped in this new assisted living community.
These tips can help her feel happier in this new home environment.
For more information about Pipestone Place Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.
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