Whether your loved one has just moved into an aged care home or has been there for some time, some tips can help your loved one feel more comfortable in the new environment. Some tips include: Encouraging your loved one to get involved, participate in physical activities, and get used to the facilities. Also, you’ll want to be prepared for any setbacks.
Encourage seniors to get involved
Getting involved with a senior care facility can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you and your loved one. When you’re first settled into a new living arrangement, getting involved with the activities is essential. Getting involved will improve your chances of maintaining an active social life.
Participating in activities can boost your senior’s mental and physical well-being. Exercise classes are one type of activity, but many other options are available.
If you are interested in cooking, you can get involved in meal planning, preparation, and serving. You can also engage in arts and crafts. The creative process is an excellent way for senior adults to express themselves.
Seniors may need to realize that there are several fun activities they can participate in. Participating in a social day program allows you to meet other residents and make friends. In addition, you’ll be able to try out new restaurants, attend cultural events, and take advantage of service-oriented events.
You can also help seniors with money management. You may be able to set up automatic payments for your elderly loved one or sign up for an online bill payment service. You can also talk with a financial counsellor about ways to control your senior loved one’s expenses.
One of the most engaging activities you can offer your elderly loved one is a pet. A pet can be a cat, dog, or fish. Not only can an animal brighten your senior’s day, but it can also help you bond with your loved one.
It’s also a good idea to get involved with local senior centres. Attending cultural events and participating in service-oriented activities will help your senior loved one feel more fulfilled.
Encourage physical activity
Regardless of the type of facility, your loved one will live in, encouraging physical activity can help them to settle in. Regular, daily activities can contribute to physical and mental well-being and a healthy aging process. A quality physical activity program will engage residents and have long-lasting positive effects.
While a senior’s age will play a role in their ability to participate in physical activity, demographic factors, such as age, are not always the determining factor. It means that a senior may participate in physical activity at a high rate or not participate at all.
One way to encourage physical activity is to have an exercise program tailored to the resident’s fitness level and needs. The program should include physical activities such as walking, dancing, and gardening.
Another way to encourage physical activity is to ensure the facility is designed to be welcoming. Make sure that the stairs are easy to use and that the building is constructed to make the stairs accessible. It helps residents feel confident that they are in a safe environment.
If a resident feels isolated, the facility can offer transportation to places such as shopping areas or historical sites. Similarly, the facility can provide a weekly group outing. These outings can include visits to parks and other locales that are fun to visit.
Various physical activities can help older adults feel confident in their abilities. Exercise should be culturally relevant and incorporated into the environment.
Encourage seniors to adjust to a memory care facility
Whether you’re planning a move into a memory care facility or helping a loved one transition to the next stage of their life, it’s important to remember that the adjustment period is a gradual process. You will likely need to visit the facility at least once.
Bring with you items that the senior has been using at home. It can help them feel more at home in their new surroundings and decrease their anxiety levels.
The most effective memory care facilities make it a point to ensure that their residents are safe, comfortable, and able to enjoy life. They also try to create a sense of community through social activities.
The best way to encourage seniors to adjust to a memory care facility is to offer support through respect.com.au/aged-care-homes/st-Anns/and to be patient. Studies have shown that it takes four to six weeks to acclimate to a new environment fully. It is the time to introduce the seniors to new people and to get involved in activities.
Expect setbacks
Whether or not your loved one has dementia, it is vital to prepare for the potential setbacks when moving your loved one into an aged care facility. Your loved one may have cognitive changes and need adjustment before coping with their new surroundings.
In addition, it is essential to ensure that your loved one’s feelings are validated. Using an outside person to observe staff interactions can help you to assess your loved one’s needs. It can also help you to settle any disputes that may arise with staff.
