Settle Into Senior Living With Calm & Confidence
Going from life at home to life in senior living can be an emotional rollercoaster. Whether it’s a move to independent living in Honolulu, assisted living, or one of the many retirement communities in Hawaii, you can follow these steps to feel at ease.
Embrace your feelings
Relief, anxiety, optimism, stress. There’s a full spectrum of feelings that can arise as you transition your loved one into senior living. And guess what? It’s perfectly okay to feel whatever you feel. Embrace your emotions rather than resist them, so you can empathize with your loved ones as they process the change.
Talk openly, listen intently
With all senior care options, questions and concerns will likely come up. Make sure to talk honestly and caringly with your loved one and, more importantly, make them feel heard. A nurse or staff member can always assist you with any issue and can help you both feel comfortable.
Explore their new home together
Senior living communities in Hawaii have so much to offer. Get to know the home together: stop by the common room, introduce yourselves to neighbors, tour the facilities, check out all the amenities, review upcoming events and programs. An afternoon of exploration will help turn anxiety into excitement.
Meet the support network
Among the best aspects of Hawaii senior living is that residents are often there for each other. So encourage your loved one not to be shy. Meet their new neighbors before helping them move in. This is one of the most reliable ways to help the transition. Make sure to also introduce yourself and provide contact info to caregivers and nurses. This will not only be comforting to you, but will reassure staff knowing they can reach out if anything comes up.
It’s all alright
We all process change differently. But, as you get your loved one settled into senior living, you can relax knowing you’ve made the right decision. Health hazards and difficulties will now be diligently attended to, dining and cleaning are all taken care of, and a new social life is just beginning. Your loved one will now be completely at ease—and you should be too.
For more information on what to expect, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.
Let’s Talk Senior Living: Tips For Easing Into The Decision
You’re not alone. No one ever finds approaching their parents about senior living easy. But waiting until the last minute only adds drama to this major life transition. To help out, we put together several insightful tips on how to ease your aging loved ones into the big move.
From Open Mind to Action Plan
“What happens when…” Start with a question. Ask Mom and Dad about their feelings towards senior care options and retirement communities in Hawaii. What happens when they’ll no longer be able to live independently? Define living independently. Would they consider independent living in Honolulu at a senior home? Once you’ve discussed these questions, put together a plan of action.
Time & Space
If your parents aren’t ready to consider senior living, if they can cope with independence—physically and mentally—it could be best to give them time and space. You might be surprised by their ability to care for themselves. If the situation proves to be more than they can handle, it’ll allow them to see for themselves how they’d benefit from senior living communities in hawaii.
Care from the Comfort of Home
The least strenuous transition is no transition at all. Some families will want to turn to a visiting nurse or someone to help with everyday tasks at home. However, it’s important to consult with a senior living professional to help determine if this should be one of your senior care options.
Focus on the Good
Make it a matter of perspective. Your loved ones aren’t having to transition to senior living, they’re getting to move somewhere where everything will be taken care of. No more cooking and cleaning, doing the laundry or running errands. Some of the best retirement communities in Hawaii feature scenic settings with five-star dining, beautiful private rooms, fitness programs, and engaging activities. Keep it positive.
Explore Together
There are many amazing senior care options all over Hawaii. Choose a few that you and your parents find promising, arrange guided tours, and see what they think. Reassure them you’re just looking, not committing. Make it fun and exciting, and always let mom or dad feel like they have a major say in choosing when and where to move.
Factor in Illness Progression
A progressively debilitating condition can weigh heavily on your loved ones. So it should be given considerable weight when it comes to your decision. Make a plan based on the likely course of the illness, give yourself wiggle room, and ease the pressure of rushing into a potentially wrong decision.
Overcoming the “Final Residence” Fear
The anxiety and uncertainty that comes with moving to a senior living home—from assisted living to independent living in honolulu—usually has nothing to do with the new residence and everything to do with facing mortality. Sometimes, one-one-one counseling or a visit with a pastor or priest can offer peace when it comes to making the transition. Leaving home and moving into senior living inevitably comes with a sense of loss and abandonment. But with love and compassion, you can comfort your loved ones, and help them navigate this major life transition. Questions? We’re here for you and your family, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
The Gift of Memory Care
Hali'a Memory Care Webinar
Best Friends, Cherished Memories and so much more...
Many approach the possible placement of a family member into memory care with a sense of guilt and worry. This Hali’a Memory Care Webinar will addresses common family concerns, but also describes the often surprising benefits of memory care for the person living with cognitive loss. Research has shown that “the brain loves company,” and the socialization and engagement that can come from an assisted living setting can be therapeutic to the person with dementia and foster feelings of friendship and community. In addition, strategies about memory care placement are provided, including when to consider a move, and how best to do it.
This webinar presented by David Troxel, MPH.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
David Troxel, MPH is co-author of six influential books on dementia care including The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care. He is the dementia care consultant to The Plaza Assisted Living and its Hali’a Memory Care Program which practices the Best Friends Approach. David adds insight and humor to his presentations and will allow for a Q&A session at the end of the webinar for attendees to ask questions and gain further insights into dementia care today.