Preparing for the First Week in an Assisted Living Community

Transitioning to assisted living can feel a little daunting, but that is completely normal. Change can be tough, but it also offers the opportunity to live around wonderful neighbors and feel a new lease on life. During the first week, we can feel a little like a fish out of water, but luckily your senior living community has a lot of experience with making new residents feel at home.   

Below, we explore some simple ways to plan for your first week and quickly make your new space feel like home. 

Understanding Your Go-To Staff Members

When you arrive at your new senior care community, you will be supported from the very beginning. Friendly staff will be there to meet you and walk you through the entire move-in process. You may hear a lot of information during the first few days but don’t worry. You won’t be expected to remember everything all at once.

To make sure you feel supported, quickly find out who your main staff contact is. Then you know from the beginning who to call when you have questions. Nurses, dining staff, and social directors see new residents all the time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make sure your family members meet the staff and learn who their contacts will be from the start. 

Pack Your Belongings Strategically

Unpacking is always a drag. But having the most important items close by eases stress as you adjust to your new space. Pack your belongings with your first week in mind. What items do you need every day? Which things will bring you comfort from day one? 

Put the most vital things in easy-to-find boxes and unpack them before any other items. You might want to ensure you have easy access to some of the following:

  • Photographs and personal comforts for your bedside
  • Medication, toiletries, and nightwear
  • Your favorite bedding and comfortable pillows
  • A book, magazine, or other relaxing activities
  • Any religious books and spiritual items for prayer or comfort
  • An easy-to-read list of contact numbers for your family, friends, and religious leaders 

Plan to Eat with the Community

Mealtimes are a perfect way to explore your new community and meet some of your new neighbors. Eating with residents also helps you learn the layout and routines of the community and check out some of the food options. 

New assisted living residents are still adjusting during their first week and some like to have a little space. Planning to eat a few meals with residents and staff can help you with a smooth transition. 

Look at Activities in Advance and Plan to be Social

Getting to know the neighbors can help you quickly feel at home in your new space. A full schedule of activities may feel overwhelming for the first week, but attending just one or two social events can give you a taste of what the community offers. 

Assisted living communities can have a wide variety of clubs and activities to enjoy, from relaxing socials to competitive games. Start slow and steady during your first week with some chilled-out social events like:

  • Bingo night
  • New resident socials
  • Movie night or watching sports events
  • Exercise classes or walking clubs

Give Yourself Some Adjustment Time

Some new residents immediately feel at home, jumping into life in their new community, but many more take a little longer to feel comfortable. Moving homes is an emotional transition and it’s normal to have some fluctuating feelings about it. Expect to have some mixed feelings in your first week and prepare for them by planning for times you may feel a little unsure. 

Senior care staff have a lot of experience helping people make the transition and most of your new neighbors have been there themselves at some point. Be honest with family and friends about your feelings so they can help you through any difficult patches. 

Plan Your Assisted Living Space for Comfort

Your new space may be smaller than your old home and will likely have a different layout. Organizing your furniture in a similar way to your old living space can make it feel a little more familiar. 

You may have let go of some larger pieces of furniture, but keeping some of your favorites can make your new space feel and even smell more like home. Quickly putting up your pictures and decorations helps you feel comfortable from the moment you open your eyes. 

Don’t be afraid to ask staff and family members for help designing your space from the beginning. The more comfortable you feel, the easier your transition will be. 

Prepare For Your First Week of Assisted Living at Elison of Oxford 

Moving home always feels a little hectic, but with some good planning and the help of senior care staff at Elison of Oxford, our community will quickly feel like home. Good packing gives you easy access to your comforts and planning ahead to meet your neighbors will help you explore your community.

Give yourself time to adjust and remember your new neighbors have all been through the same thing. Senior care staff are on hand to help make you comfortable and ease you into this exciting new world. 

Whether the first week is planned perfectly or not, many seniors find a new lease on life when they discover assisted living. So try not to worry about the perfect transition. Staff, new friends, and your support network are all here to help you live your best life at Elison in Oxford. Contact us today for more information about our assisted living community.

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