Seniors For Living

Everything is new for a senior in assisted living.

New neighbors, new apartment, new routines, new foods, new smells, new sounds, new friends. Yes, some of these changes and novelties may be for the best, but receiving cheerful cards and frequent visits or phone calls from family and friends, especially during the first few months after move-in, will mean the world.

Change is difficult, even if there is potential for a highly positive outcome. Bear this in mind and be patient with your parent, grandparent, or other senior friend as he eases into this new way of life.

Here are several suggestions for making a senior in assisted living smile:

1. Set up a regular calling date (and stick to it).
2. Send a “just because” or “thinking of you” card.
3. Send flowers or a care package (fill it with her favorite cookies or snacks, maybe a book of crosswords, or other tiny gifts you know she will enjoy).
4. Come by for regular visits (again, as with setting up recurring phone dates, be sure to stick to it, or at the very least, give sufficient notice if you need to cancel or change plans); perhaps plan to have a meal there or off-campus together.
5. Ask how things are going, or if there is anything you can do to help with this time of transition.