Although change can be difficult for everyone, it seems that the older we get, the more challenging it is to break with the status quo. It’s often the elderly who have to make the biggest lifestyle changes. One example is the downsizing of assisted living in Myrtle Beach to a condominium or family home.

Our loved ones must not only leave their familiar surroundings, but also have to accept that they will need to move due to increasing health care needs and advancing age.

Tips To Make Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach Feel Like Home

It is not easy to move to assisted living in Myrtle Beach. Many people want to stay in their homes, surrounded by family memories and personal possessions. As their care needs grow, assisted living communities often offer safety, assistance, and social interaction. This can sometimes defeat the senior’s desire to be familiar. Although this transition can be difficult for seniors and their caregivers, there are simple steps that can help loved ones feel more comfortable with the idea of moving into a new home.

Respect their perspective

You may have different thoughts about this transition than your loved one. This move is a positive one that will give your parents (or their loved ones) nutritious meals, on-site support services, social opportunities and transportation. This move is a huge loss for your parent(s). They are leaving behind a lot of their past, even if they leave an older, less stable home in favor of a new, more luxurious assisted living facility. This is a sign of their fragile independence.

While many seniors recognize the many benefits of assisted living, the actual move is often bittersweet. Be mindful of the complex emotions your loved one may be experiencing throughout this entire process.

Handle downsizing tactfully

It’s one thing to move into a smaller home. But it’s quite another to need to get rid of a lot of stuff or store them. Seniors often have to move from a large home or condo to a studio or one-bedroom apartment in senior living in Myrtle Beach. It can take a lot of patience to sort through the personal belongings of a parent.

Asking them about their personal possessions is a great way to get started. You can help them incorporate these items into their assisted living space, store some, or pass on keepsakes to other family members. You can help them to store and rehome items they no longer use. This will ease their pain about having to part with so much of their tangible history.

Decorating and Furnishing an Assisted Living Space

The best way to determine what your senior loved one can bring is by measuring the apartment for senior living in Myrtle Beach. It is important to make sure they have a personal, functional, and comfortable place to call home.

As long as they have the space to furnish the assisted living area, you can bring their armchair so they can read or watch TV. They can bring their own dresser if there’s enough space. You can help them find a home for a grandfather clock if it’s been passed down through the generations. It will make the transition easier if you can help them bring as many home-made mementoes as possible. Avoid cluttering the space or using difficult-to-use furniture arrangements.

You should make it a priority to find shelving, cabinets, or hutches for your children so that they can store and display their photos, books, awards and other treasures in a safe, accessible place. It will give their space a personal touch and add sophistication. You can also display cherished photographs or pieces of art on the walls.

If possible, add cosy touches to the main living spaces such as throw pillows and blankets, curtains, and/or blankets. Make sure they have pillows and linens to make their beds comfortable. If they don’t want to buy new items, they can save some of the older pieces. Mom might decide that her old bedsheet is better than she thought and ask for it back.

Remember that there are some seniors who will jump at the opportunity to buy new bedding and furniture for assisted living. A brand new couch, flat-screen TV, comfortable recliner or bedding set could be a sign of a new start in their home. Even though this is not a common practice, it’s possible to indulge your dad or mom in new purchases as long as they are within their budget. They should decide how they decorate their home.

Understanding the Values of Your Loved One

Think about the things that bring you joy. What parts of their home, no matter how small or large, would they love to take with them to assisted living facilities?

Allow them to adjust to their new home.

You shouldn’t force seniors to participate in the activities and social events offered by their assisted living community. A good senior care facility will provide a welcoming routine for residents. However, it may take them several weeks to get used to the assisted living facility.

Talk to them about their new room or apartment as their home. People who live in assisted living apartments or small nursing homes rooms can call them home. You want to make them feel at home, so use your language and attitude.

You can expect your elder to go through some grief over losing their home. Expect gratitude. Respect them and don’t expect them to accept and appreciate all the changes. As they get more involved in their daily lives and develop new routines, many older adults realize that assisted living can simplify their lives and increase their independence.

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you are looking for an excellent senior living community in Myrtle Beach.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/