Balancing Independence With The Need For Social Contact In An Assisted Living Facility

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One of the challenges of aging is the loneliness and the gradual loss of independence. You may find that your loved one is not interacting with others as much. You may also find that your loved one is struggling to manage finances and handle day-to-day activities. But when you sit down with your loved one, you find out that he or she is lonely and still wants to be independent. As you prepare to settle your loved one into an assisted living facility, there are things you can do to help your loved one remain independent while avoiding loneliness.

Visiting Your Senior

When your senior is first moved into assisted living, you should visit him or her frequently. It can take time to make friends and your visits will help make your loved one feel more comfortable. Talk to friends and family members so you can arrange a plan to regularly visit your senior. Also, try to call as frequently as possible. Ask neighbors if they can call or visit so your loved one does not feel like he or she has become abandoned. Once your loved one has become settled in, arrange for a trip with him or her.

Relying On An Advocate

If you do not live nearby the assisted living facility, your loved one will need an advocate. The advocate understands the needs of your loved one and can visit your loved one regularly to gather information for you that can help you determine whether you should be concerned with the level of care your loved one is receiving.

Using The Buddy System

Find out if there is a buddy system. Another resident will come, sit down with your loved one and have dinner. This ensures that your loved one has a new friend and also explains what it is like to live in the facility. This can include enjoyable activities and events. Your loved one is more likely to trust what another resident says and he or she will also make a new friend immediately.

Maintaining Independence

When calling or visiting, ask your loved one to describe his or her day. You will want to get a sense of whether your loved one is learning how to operate independently. When moving belongings into your loved one's new home, give him or her as much control as possible regarding where everything is placed. You will need to learn to balance the need for social contact with the need for independence, but as you establish the balance, you will notice the quality of life for your loved one improves.

For more information, talk to an assisted living facility like Casa De Palomas.

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30 November 2015

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