A Guide To Helping Seniors Settle Into A New Environment

Moving into a care home can feel like a major upheaval for many seniors. It can be a stressful and emotional transition. As they leave behind their old surroundings, routines, and daily connections, it’s incredibly important to do everything you can to help them settle into their new environment. Don’t despair, as a family member or caregiver, there are certain steps that you can undertake to ensure the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible.

Prepping For The Transition

Before the big move, it’s important that you speak regularly to the senior about what’s going to happen. They should be as involved as possible in the decision-making process. This will help them to feel like they have more control over the situation. Discuss the benefits of the move and the things they have to be excited about.

It’s also a good idea to help to prepare them for what to expect in their new environment. It’s a good idea to take them to have a tour of the facility before the move and introduce them to staff and other residents, so when the move day comes, they’ll be able to recognize some friendly faces. It’s also a good idea to encourage them to look over any handbooks or materials provided by the care home.

Make The Environment Feel Like Home

One of the most important things you can do when helping a senior get settled into a new environment is to make it feel as comfortable and familiar as possible. You can do several things to achieve this. Personalize their new living space with personal items, such as cushions and blankets. You can also add photos showcasing happy memories with family and friends.

Establish A Routine

Another way to help a senior get settled into a new environment is to help them establish a routine. This can include maintaining familiar habits from their previous routine such as waking up and going to bed at the same time, eating meals at regular times, and participating in activities that they enjoy and help them feel like themselves.

Encourage Socializing

When settling into a care home environment, socializing with other residents is essential. Vale View Heights Care Home have a wide range of social events, entertainment, and activities on offer to seniors to take part in, so they’re sure to be able to find a hobby to take part in, where they can socialize and meet like-minded friends. Whether it’s art classes, book clubs, or exercise classes, it will help them build new social connections and maintain a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Visit Regularly

Lastly, you must make the effort to visit the senior regularly and if possible, involve them in family activities outside the care home. This will help them maintain a strong sense of connection with their old life and loved ones, giving them a stronger feeling of continuity and stability.

Moving into a care home can be a difficult transition for many, however, with the right support, it can be an incredibly positive, rewarding and fulfilling move.