3 More Ways to Sooth Moving Anxiety for Seniors (Part 2)

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3 More Ways to Sooth Moving Anxiety for Seniors (Part 2)

moving anxiety senior loved ones

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic tips for caregivers, family members and others to help soothe moving anxiety for a senior loved one moving into an assisted living facility. This process can be difficult for many seniors, from anxiety related to the practical elements of the move to concerns about losses of independence, time spent away from loved ones and several others.

At Cozy Retire, our assisted living staff are always cognizant of this potential difficulty for many of our new residents. We offer many programs and dedicated care specifically to help seniors adjust to our facility in helpful, organic ways, plus friendly staff who are always available to help with individual needs. Today’s part two of our series will dig into a few additional themes to keep in mind while assisting a senior with their move into a senior living facility.

Treasured Items

One area that’s a particular struggle for some seniors, particularly those with prized possessions or collections, is concerns about being forced to get rid of these items as part of their move. Many assisted living rooms won’t be as spacious as the previous home the senior was living in, meaning certain items may need to be left behind or stored with other family members.

To whatever degree possible, empathize with your loved one here and help them find homes for some of their most cherished items. For items that simply will not fit in the new accommodations, speak to your loved one about others they might enjoy gifting these to, such as old friends or certain family members.

Familiarizing the New Space

Whenever possible, look for opportunities to bring familiar items – furniture, possessions, etc. – to the new space. A new room in an assisted living facility will feel a bit foreign at first, but items like a senior’s favorite chair or their best blanket will help retain comfort and a sense of peace. In some cases, you may even look for opportunities to align the new room in similar ways to the senior’s previous bedroom.

Sense of Humor

Finally, while there are parts of this process that will be somber and even sad, do your best to maintain a sense of humor and lightness. Talk to your loved one about trying to laugh your way through some of the expected inconveniences you may experience during this process, plus working together to solve some of the larger concerns that may crop up. Remind them you’re there to help, and cherish the opportunity to spend time with them even if it’s for a reason that might not be 100% positive.

For more on helping a senior manage moving anxiety for a move to a senior living facility, or to learn about any of our retirement home or memory care services, speak to the staff at Cozy Retire today.