Updated: 1/7/2025
If you’re helping a parent move into assisted living, it can be an emotional time…However, there may also be relief, especially if your loved one struggles with daily tasks or is becoming more isolated.
Not sure how best to help them feel settled in assisted living? Here are ten practical and compassionate ways to create an environment in your loved one’s new apartment that helps them feel at home.
1. Customize the move-in experience
When moving a parent or parents into assisted living, work with your loved one to create a move-in experience that matches their personality and preferences.
If they need more support to adjust to their new home, consider having dinner with them on their first day to break the ice. You can also plan to visit them more frequently in the first few months.
2. Personalize their new space
Talk to your loved one about how best to decorate their new living space. They’ll see that decorating for senior living can be fun. Bringing cherished items from their existing home can create a sense of familiarity and make their new apartment feel like home, whether that’s a favorite reading chair, table, or comforter for their bed. Framed photos or other personal collections can also foster a sense of belonging and identity.
3. Establish routines
A daily routine can help your loved one feel at home sooner at their new assisted living community. When moving into assisted living, consider the structure that works best to create a level of comfort and predictability.
Regular activities, mealtimes and keeping up with bedtime routines can help build a sense of normalcy and stability during this transitional time.
4. Maintain a schedule of regular visits
Residents often fear their family won’t visit as often once they move into an assisted living community. It’s important to let your loved one know that your connection will remain strong.
The sight of familiar faces decreases the anxiety that may accompany this significant life change. Discuss this with other family members to make sure they’re visiting regularly.
5. Encourage socialization
It’ll be easy for your parent to meet and make new friends in their new assisted living community when they participate in the many social opportunities offered. Staff are there to help new residents feel welcome.
Engaging in activities can boost both the physical and emotional health of your loved one. Ask about the monthly calendar of events the community offers and ensure the selections include those of interest.
6. Empower them through choices
Home provides freedom of choice, but it’s common for residents to feel even more at home and independent when they receive assisted living help since they won’t have to rely on their children for basic tasks.
In assisted living, the choices belong to the residents. It might help to discuss their preferences and make sure they know they will be heard and valued in their new home.
7. Promote health and wellness
Communities help residents feel at home by promoting physical and emotional well-being and an improved quality of life.
Access to amenities and features conveniently located on-site helps residents meet their wellness goals. Loved ones will appreciate how easy it will be for them to stay in shape, eat right, and socialize with the other residents.
8. Encourage hobbies and interests
Remaining engaged in daily life helps residents feel part of the community when moving into assisted living. Your loved one will enjoy discovering a wide variety of options.
With easy access to painting, reading, gardening, joining others in games, and staying fit, your loved one will gain a sense of purpose and achievement, experience therapeutic benefits and get a boost in self-esteem.
9. Be patient and supportive
Patience, support and offering reassurance and encouragement will help your parent adapt to this change in life.
Matching the benefits the community offers with the needs of your loved one can help them feel at home. Emphasize the importance of connection, such as how the activities help avoid isolation or how delicious and nutritious meals make eating healthier easier.
10. Involve them in family life
It’s important to continue to make family life accessible and involve your loved one in family activities, celebrations, and decision-making processes.
Share updates about family members, send photos and videos and arrange virtual meetings if in-person visits are not possible. This continued connection reinforces their integral role in the family and helps them continue to feel like a valued member.
The importance of feeling at home in assisted living
Helping a loved one feel at home in a new assisted living community is an ongoing, collaborative process, involving both the family and the care team. With continued support, your loved one can soon find joy and a sense of belonging.
While navigating this transition may seem daunting, a family’s love and presence can help bridge the familiar to the new. Remember, your loved one is not alone on this journey. Together you can help create not only a wonderful place to live but a place to call home.
Looking for assisted living help or wondering how to get assisted living? Galloway Senior Living offers quality assisted living and memory care in Wadsworth, Illinois. Our state-of-the-art senior living community was designed to provide residents and their families with an affordable luxury experience, featuring comprehensive care and top-notch services and amenities. We hope you enjoyed these tips for moving parents into assisted living! For more resources, we invite you to download our complimentary informational guide, “Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.”
