If you’ve made the decision to call a senior living community home, you’re likely looking forward to your newfound freedom and all the benefits of this lifestyle.
But you may be wondering how to make the shift and begin feeling at home quicker. We can help.
Tips to settle in to your new senior living home
Consider these suggestions to help smooth the transition:
- Create a move-in plan
Planning ahead can greatly help reduce the anxiety of move-in day.
You’ve already decided what furniture and belongings you’ll be bringing. Arrange to have everything arrive in time so that by the end of the day you’ll have a bed ready to sleep in, furniture in place and at least one box unpacked that contains essentials for the first few days.
- Leave the clutter behind
Many people who have moved into a senior living home will tell you it’s refreshing to start your new life without all the clutter.
Most residents will be downsizing their space, not their life. After clearing out many of the accumulations filling the boxes and closets that are no longer of value, it can be surprisingly freeing to let go and make room for what is waiting ahead.
- Enjoy your first meal
Depending on what time you arrive, try to dine at your new community the first day. If you’re in an independent living community, you’ll have your own full-sized kitchen – but you’ll also likely be tired.
Take advantage of this opportunity to meet a few of your future friends. Not only will you get the chance to enjoy a good meal, but you’ll begin getting your first taste of community life.
- Sign up for an activity – or two
Move at your own pace but it can be helpful to sign up for an activity once you arrive at your new senior living home. This will help you begin to feel part of the community.
Senior living offers great opportunities to meet others naturally and comfortably – and activities are one of the easiest ways. Take a look at the monthly calendar and choose something of interest.
- Say hello to your neighbors
Be friendly as you begin meeting your neighbors and the other residents. There are many ways you can strike up a conversation. One of the easiest is to let them know you’re new and introduce yourself.
You’ll find there are many opportunities to smile and say hi – or stop and chat when living in a community – whether it’s crossing paths in the common areas, the art studio or even while out taking a walk.
- Join in a social event
Another option to help you begin to feel at home is to join your neighbors and residents at one of the many social events offered. Whether it’s a movie, concert or happy hour, it’s a wonderful way to begin putting names with the faces.
Moving into a new place can often feel a little intimidating. But the sooner you begin engaging with others, you’ll find yourself feeling right at home in no time.
- Take a walk around your new senior living home
During your first few days, take a break from unpacking and go on a little tour of your new community. You’ve visited there before, of course, but reacquaint yourself with where the mailroom is or which way to the swimming pool.
Familiarity helps us feel at home so the quicker you become accustomed to your new surroundings, the sooner it will seem like home to you. Expand your walk to include the neighborhood if you wish.
- Reset your attitude
One of the best tips to successfully move into your new senior living home and begin to settle in is to make sure your expectations are realistic. Understand that it will take a little time to feel at home.
Try to look at the experience as the beginning of a great adventure but know that you won’t be instantly comfortable. For anyone, moving is a big transition. But before you know it, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friends and an active and engaging lifestyle.
- Ask for guidance if needed
If you do feel that it’s taking longer than usual to acclimate or that you’re having a hard time meeting others or joining in, don’t suffer in silence.
Talk to a staff member for suggestions or ideas on how to become a part of the community at your new senior living home. They are a great resource and have much experience in helping new residents feel welcome.
Ingleside’s Senior Living
If you’re considering whether a senior living community could be the perfect support for you or your parents to live the highest quality of life, we hope you found these tips helpful.
We also invite you to visit one of our Ingleside communities. We believe it’s even easier to enjoy life with the benefits that we offer, including:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
- Fully equipped fitness centers
- Heated indoor swimming pools
- Art studios
- Libraries
- Beautiful walking trails
For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
Learn more about how a move to a senior living community can give you the lifestyle you deserve. Download our complimentary Successful Transitions guide.