Have you been struggling with the idea of moving to an assisted living or retirement community? The good news is you’re not alone. A huge transition in life such as moving is one of the most emotional things you can do.
Luckily, there are many strategies you can use for coping with the emotional journey to senior living. Here are some factors to consider, so you can get comfortable and make the most out of your new home.
The Emotional Transition to Senior Living
There are many different emotions associated with moving to a senior living community. Here are some of the common feelings you may experience:
Anger and Frustration
Although assisted living is still a very independent way to live, you are still losing your independence to some degree. You may feel angry that you can no longer take care of your home while living on your own.
It can also be frustrating if you’re not the one to decide it is time for senior living. Your family members may decide that it’s time for a change, so you can feel safer and more comfortable in the long run.
Grief and Loss
Grieving your old life is completely normal when you move somewhere new. Navigating senior living changes includes getting used to a completely different environment.
It is all right to feel grief for weeks or even months after you make the move. Allow yourself to fully experience the emotions so you can acknowledge them and try to move on to a more positive mindset.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a huge emotion when it comes to transitioning to assisted living. You will have to learn where things are located, the layout of your new home, and countless other details.
Panic attacks are common when anxiety becomes overwhelming. When you feel a lot of anxiety, try doing breathing exercises or grounding yourself to calm down.
Excitement
Although it is common to have negative emotions, you may also find yourself excited about your new chapter. Perhaps the idea of big changes and making new friends is positive for you.
Embrace the excitement and try to harness it to your benefit. Get out there and make new friends, participate in group activities, and learn all about your community.
Navigate Senior Living Changes
Emotional well-being for seniors is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to transitioning to senior living.
Here are some of the best coping strategies for seniors that you can use as you move forward into a new chapter of your life.
Surround Yourself With Family and Friends
If possible, try to have your family and friends over to visit as often as you can. Surrounding yourself with familiar people is very helpful when so much of your environment is new.
Even if you can’t see them in person, try FaceTime or Skype so you can video chat with them. Communicating via a screen is better than having no communication at all.
Find Comfort in the Familiar
Make sure you take as many personal items as possible from your old home into your new one. Comfort items such as blankets and pillows may seem trivial, but they can remind you of home.
When you set up your new assisted living space, try to replicate some of your favorite aspects of your old home. For instance, keep the television remote in the same location or arrange your cooking items the way you prefer.
Make New Friends
It’s important to try and make new friends when you move into a retirement community. The benefits of these connections are invaluable.
You will find peace and comfort in knowing that they are in a similar stage of life as yourself. They may also have similar views or interests, leading to fast friendships.
Have a More Positive Outlook
Positive thinking can do wonders for your outlook. Do not underestimate the power of changing your thought process and viewpoint.
Wake up every day with an attitude of gratitude. Write down your thoughts in a gratitude journal and practice radical kindness as often as you can.
Consider Seeing a Therapist
Even when you are a senior, a mental health professional can provide great benefits to you when transitioning to senior living.
Try to find a practitioner who has experience specifically with older people. They will teach you coping strategies for seniors, which you can use in your daily life when you feel anxious, scared, or overwhelmed.
Continuing Education and Learning
One of the huge advantages of living in a retirement community is the abundance of amenities available.
Lifelong learning can help you feel like you have a purpose outside of just existing through your golden years. It will also keep your mind sharp by challenging you to process new information.
Find a Hobby
If you’ve always wanted to learn a hobby, now is the perfect time. See if there are any groups with common interests. You may be able to find a crafting group or hiking group, depending on your needs.
Work on Physical Health
While emotional well-being is paramount as a senior, you cannot underestimate the importance of physical health as well. Try to move your body as much as possible.
A good goal is to get some form of movement every day. It can be as easy as taking a walk around your community with friends or stretching in front of the television.
Remember to consult with your physician if you want to start a new exercise regimen. They will know what is best for you based on your body composition and existing medical conditions.
Coping With the Emotional Journey to Senior Living
Sabine Place Assisted Living is a beautiful senior living community in Orange, Texas. With our range of diverse floor plans, pet friendliness, and focus on quality of life, you’re guaranteed to fit in here.
Are you considering moving to an assisted living or retirement community? We are here to help with all aspects of coping with the emotional journey to senior living.
Consider scheduling a tour today. Contact us to learn more about all that Sabine Place has to offer.
