Moving back to a life of solitude shortly after coming out of a rehabilitation center can be overwhelming for older adults and their loved ones. Now that the older adult is already accustomed to living in a social setting, it would be prudent to consider moving them to senior living in Tampa, FL.
Even so, making the transition from a rehab center to a retirement community is a serious undertaking that any elderly individual will struggle with. Be that as it may, making the shift from home living to a retirement community bears so many advantages for your aging relative.
Senior living offers stress-free living in addition to giving them access to different services, crucial amenities, and seamless socialization. You need to ensure that your aging relative receives proper emotional, mental, and physical care after rehab.
That might not be possible back at home where every other family member is busy with other things. Other than that, elderly folks may find it hard to perform everyday tasks such as cleaning and doing laundry after coming from a rehabilitation center where such things were done on their behalf. The best way out of such predicaments is to move to senior living. Let us look at how to transition smoothly from a rehab center into senior living.
Plan Early Enough
Before transitioning from a rehab center to senior living, you need to plan in time. You should let your elderly relative know about the plans to move into senior living in time. Once they get accustomed to the idea that they will not be going home after rehab and why the move is good for them then everything else will be smooth and easy. The elderly individual will also have time to say goodbye to friends and team members at the rehab center.
Familiarize yourself With the Senior Living Community
Your aging relative needs to familiarize themself with their new living area before moving in. They need to visit the community and get first-hand experience of how everything happens and ascertain whether it is right for them. Your loved one should get a taste of the different activities and the general vibe or atmosphere of the community.
Down Size and Get Organized
Retirement communities are designed to offer long-term care. That means that the community will essentially be a new home for your loved one. Thus, they need to plan for a permanent move. The best way to do that is by downsizing where the aging folk will only be left with essentials. Aside from that, the picked essentials have to be well organized for a smooth transition.
Make the New Living Space Homely
Since the community will be a new home for your loved one, it has to feel and look as homely as possible to them. The purpose of doing this is to eliminate any feelings of homesickness. You can help your loved one pack their favorite family photo as something that will help them to feel connected to their past life or loved ones. It is also advisable for your aging relative to keep in contact with their friends and family members.
Socialize and Engage in Different Activities
To curb loneliness and combat homesickness, older adults are encouraged to make new friends and socialize upon arriving at the retirement community. Staying active will minimize any stress or anxiety related to transitioning to the new living environment.
