A fresh start in a senior living community is an exciting time for older adults. It can also be transformative for them, as they move from one chapter of life to another. In many cases, the senior is leaving behind a familiar house that is filled with the memories of raising a family and with possessions and mementoes of the life lived there. So, a move to a senior living community is an opportunity for a fresh start and a new way of living.
Settling into a new apartment at a senior living community is the first step to making it truly feel like home. The quicker you can do that, the better you’ll feel. Here are some tips for settling into your new senior living home.
Change can be uncomfortable, especially when it involves leaving the familiar surroundings of your home. If you’re moving to senior living, there are many things to look forward to. High-end senior living communities offer spacious modern apartments, maintenance-free living with housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, and a vibrant, active environment with other seniors.
Focusing on these advantages of senior living instead of dwelling on what you left behind will help you to move forward and enjoy this exciting new beginning quickly.
Making your new apartment feel comfortable and cozy is the first step to settling into your new senior living home. Your living space should be a place of comfort and tranquility. Surrounding yourself with things that reflect your personality and give you comfort will make it easier to adapt to your new home. Personalize your new apartment with beautifully framed family photos, favorite furniture, artwork, living plants, and family heirlooms.
Maintaining an active lifestyle and being engaged with others is essential to thriving in a senior living community. Senior living communities offer an abundance of social activities and recreational events. Stay busy with group fitness classes, continuing education, cooking classes, and travel opportunities that the community offers and organizes for the residents.
The camaraderie and opportunities to meet like-minded seniors are some of the most significant benefits of moving to a senior living community. Make the effort to meet your neighbors and other residents. Introduce yourself, invite them for drinks, meet them at the pool, or try a group activity. You’ll be glad you did.
Moving to senior living does not mean family and friends are no longer a part of your life. Invite them to dinner in your new apartment or to tour the community. Senior living communities like Allegro make it easy to stay in touch with their connected living program. Connected living allows residents and families to communicate through photo and video sharing, video conferencing, and live streaming.
Imagine spending the day in a cabana at the pool, exercising in a state-of-the-art fitness center, relaxing in the sauna, or pampering yourself in the nail or beauty salon. And why not? After all, this is your home now. Engaging in and enjoying these resort-like amenities promotes health and wellness and provides opportunities to meet other residents.
Many senior living communities offer mixers for new residents, so plan on attending these worthwhile events to meet current residents and other new folks like you! If your senior living community offers orientation sessions, this is a great time to learn about the community, ask questions, and meet other new residents. The sooner you get to know your fellow residents, the sooner the community will feel like home.
Settling into a senior living community is a significant lifestyle change that can overwhelm seniors and their loved ones. Embracing the benefits of senior living, meeting residents, and enjoying the amenities are all essential ways to enjoy this new adventure.
For more information on Allegro Senior Living communities, please get in touch with one of our helpful advisors! Download our free guide, “Choosing the Right Senior Living Community,” to learn more.