Advice to Help Smooth the Transition to Assisted Living

Many times a move to assisted living for an elderly loved one is due to an event such as a recent hospitalization for a fall or a worsening medical condition. This means the person does not have the time to process the move from a beloved home, and the sudden change may be very upsetting. Even for seniors who have had the time to plan a move into assisted living, it may be challenging. 

At MorningStar at River Oaks, we know the many benefits assisted living communities such as ours afford to residents; but at the same time, we recognize any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly one of those events. In addition to our own experience, experts also offer suggestions to families on how best to support their loved one during the transition.  

Their advice includes remembering the person may feel abandoned, or frustrated with their perceived loss of independence and decision making, and have a hard time adjusting to a change in their routine. They say you should give the person plenty of support during the first days and weeks at the community; but caution against too much handholding. This could actually be counterproductive and prevent a loved one from making an adjustment. Instead emphasis the move is an opportunity to start a new chapter in their life.  

In some cases, seniors make a quick adjustment and recognize the advantage of no longer worrying about their homes’ maintenance or preparing meals. They like the ease of a more robust social life and feel a peace of mind knowing help is around whenever they need it. MorningStar at River Oaks will open to residents in the last quarter of 2021 and look forward to providing seniors the finest assisted living in Houston, TX. In addition our community offers individualized memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit.