Moving your loved one into an Orlando assisted living facility can be an exciting time, as it means that your family member is joining a thriving community full of like-minded people. However, there are some reasons why this transition can also be difficult for you and your loved one.
For many seniors, moving into an assisted living facility can signify a loss of independence. Understandably, most seniors want to live independently at home for as long as possible. But in some cases, an assisted living situation is the wisest choice for their continued health and longevity.
How to Make a Smooth Transition to Orlando Assisted Living
About to embark on the journey of transitioning your loved one to independent living in Orlando? Here are some tips to find a great balance between independence and safety that you and your family members can feel good about.
Keep Communication Open
It can be frustrating for seniors to feel like their choices are suddenly in the hands of others as they age. This frustration can bring rise to conflicts with their loved ones, who are only trying to help.
The best way to avoid conflict during a life transition for seniors is to keep your line of communication with them open. Do your best to keep discussions calm and let them know that they are supported and heard throughout the process. Listen to their concerns and truly take them into account as you make your decision, even if you think that you have their best interests in mind.
Encourage Healthy Habits to Support Longevity
It’s completely understandable why the senior in your life might want to remain independent instead of entrusting their care to the professional staff at an assisted living community. This makes it vital that they understand how to maintain that independence for themselves.
Losing muscle mass is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t mean that seniors have to acquiesce to it completely. Keeping up a regular fitness routine can significantly help to maintain core strength and overall muscle mass, helping to prevent falls or make them less damaging when they do happen.
Increased physical strength will make it more feasible for your loved one to continue living independently, whether they choose to do it at home or in an independent living community.
Understand Seniors’ Rights
As you’re navigating this stage of life for your loved one, make sure you keep their rights in mind. Unless issues with cognitive function are present, adults are entitled to make their own decisions, no matter their age.
This means that your family member still has the final say over their life circumstances and choices, whether others in their life support those choices or not. This is why keeping open communication with your loved one is so important, as these rights are often invoked when the individual feels pressured or forced into an independent living situation rather than choosing it for themselves.
Choose a Facility that Prioritizes Independence
Many seniors aren’t aware that truly independent senior living communities exist. They may associate this living arrangement with restrictions and loss of independence, but there are many incredible facilities in Orlando that prioritize the continued independence of their community members.
Independent living communities are designed to provide seniors with a valuable sense of community and support as they enjoy their golden years. While assistance is available whenever needed, these communities foster independent lifestyles among their residents while supporting their hobbies and interests, hosting regular social events, and keeping seniors connected to the vibrant city around them.
