Moving into a senior apartment in Boca Raton, FL, can be a major adjustment for your loved one. With their independence comes new responsibilities and a loss of privacy, which can be difficult to adjust to. However, there are many things you can do to make the transition easier for them and help them adjust to their new surroundings; we’ve got some tips below:
Listen to Your Loved One
Listening to your loved ones is the most important thing you can do for them. They’re going through a big transition and probably have some concerns about it. Listen to their concerns and ask questions like:
- What are they looking for in a senior apartment community? (social activities, safety, proximity to family, etc.)
- What do they want to do with their time?
It’s also helpful to find out more about their hobbies and interests. This will help you find a place that offers them plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities they enjoy!
Help Adjust Their Space
The next step in helping your loved one adjust to senior apartments is making sure the space is safe and comfortable.
- Make sure it’s clean. This may sound obvious, but make sure the apartment is cleaned before moving in, especially if your loved one has never lived alone before.
- Ensure that they’re paying an affordable rent that they can afford on their own income alone—and remember that many will be on a fixed budget due to their age or health situation!
Ensure Everything is Safe
One of the first things you should also do when helping your loved one move into senior apartments ensures that the place is safe.
- Check the flooring and stairs to ensure they are sturdy and free of tripping hazards.
- Make sure there are grab bars in the bathroom and rails along the sides of tubs or showers (to prevent slipping).
- Look for signs of moisture building up on walls behind cabinets or other structures—this could indicate a leaky pipe or drain.
Think About Downsizing
You could also consider downsizing. If your loved one has too many things, it’s possible that they would be more comfortable living in a smaller place.
If you are thinking about getting rid of some items or selling them, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You might know that your loved one doesn’t want to get rid of certain things, but there are some other ways you can work together to make the process easier.
For example, if your loved one is resisting the idea of getting rid of their car and it is taking up too much space in their driveway, consider asking them if they would be willing to borrow yours whenever necessary (providing the weather allows). They should have no problem driving over when needed!
Take Advantage of the Social Opportunities
The social opportunities that are available in senior apartments can be a great way to help your loved one feel more connected. They can also help your loved one make new friends, stay active, and maintain a sense of purpose and self-esteem. For example, you might find that there are clubs or volunteer groups that meet regularly at the senior apartment complex where your loved one lives.
These clubs may be related to a hobby or interest your loved one has, like a book club or stamp collecting; if not, they may offer opportunities for socialization that don’t require much more than showing up at the meeting place once in a while (for example: maybe there will be other residents who attend each month who live nearby).
