Addressing Feelings of Loss in Senior Living Transition

About 14% of adults over 60 have mental health issues, and moving to a senior living community can make matters worse. This often happens because they lose their independence, familiar surroundings, or loved ones. You may suffer from anxiety, depression, or loneliness during a senior living transition.

Luckily, there are ways to manage these feelings and make the change easier. Support from family, caregivers, and staff is important for these methods to work. This guide will show you how to go about it.

Validate Your Emotions

Acknowledging and validating your feelings as you transition to a senior living community in Findlay, OH, is important. Let yourself know that it's okay to feel sad, anxious, or homesick. Your emotions are normal, and recognizing them can help you cope better.

You should not judge yourself for these feelings, even if it's tempting to do so. Instead, accept them as part of the adjustment process. Validating your emotions can make it easier to manage them.

Foster Connections

Try to connect with other residents and staff members in your new community. Building these relationships can help you feel less isolated and more comfortable.

Studies conducted by the National Institute on Aging highlight a growing concern among older adults: an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. As people age, they often encounter significant life changes. These can include declining health and shifts in their social circles.

You can create a supportive senior living assistance network by reaching out and engaging with others. The network can be especially helpful as you adjust to your new environment and deal with hearing, vision, memory, or mobility changes. You can find comfort and practical help through these connections.

Create a Familiar Space

Personalizing your new living space with items familiar to you from your previous home can make you feel more comfortable. This would create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Here are senior living tips that'll help you create a familiar space:

Bring cherished photos and decorations
Include favorite pieces of furniture or bedding
Use personal items like blankets or mementos
Add familiar scents, like candles or room sprays

If you have trouble with space or fitting items, make changes slowly and ask staff for help to make your space feel cozy. They can offer tips and solutions to help you adjust comfortably. The goal is to make your new home feel as familiar and comforting as possible.

Engage in Stimulating Activities

Community activities and events allow for a smooth transition for seniors. Through these activities, you'll meet new people and make friends, making you feel less lonely. Engaging in hobbies or social events can also lift your mood and help you adjust to your new home.

Look for activities that you enjoy or have always wanted to try. Finding something that interests you can make your days more enjoyable, whether it's a fitness class, a book club, or a craft group. Regular participation in these fun activities can help you feel more at home and connected with others.

If you're unsure where to start, ask the community staff for recommendations. They can help you find activities that fit your interests and get involved. Over time, being active in the community will help ease your transition and make you feel more settled.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques (meditation and deep breathing in particular) can help lessen stress and anxiety when moving to senior living. These practices can make you feel calmer and more focused, helping you handle difficult emotions.

To cope with the changes and feel more at ease, stick to the following techniques:

Try deep breathing exercises to relax
Practice short meditation sessions daily
Use apps or videos for guided meditation
Do gentle stretches or yoga to calm your mind

If you find it hard to stick to these mindfulness practices, start slowly (a few minutes each day) and gradually increase the time. Be patient with yourself as you practice. It may take some time before you start to notice the benefits of your efforts.

Seek Professional Support

If you continue to feel overwhelmed by feelings of loss, seeking professional counseling, therapy, or senior care advice can be very helpful. Therapists are trained to assist with emotional challenges and can provide support during your transition. They can offer strategies and a safe space to talk about your feelings.

A counselor can help you acknowledge, understand, and manage your emotions. The counselor can also work with you to develop coping skills and provide support tailored to your needs. However, for this to work, you must be open to seeking professional help.

Older adults might make mistakes when looking for counseling by not checking the counselor's qualifications or thinking all counselors are the same. They might also avoid seeking help due to fears about privacy or feeling judged. This can lead to choosing the wrong counselor, which affects the support they get.

As such, you should carefully choose a counselor with the right skills. Don't let fears about privacy or judgment stop you from getting the help you need. Just focus on the potential benefits of the entire process.

Maintain Contact With Loved Ones

Keeping in touch with family and friends is important for emotional support and staying connected. Psychological research shows that stable and healthy friendships are essential for your well-being and longevity. But how do you achieve this during your transition?

Set up regular phone or video calls
Send texts, emails, or letters to stay in touch
Plan visits or virtual meetups if possible
Share updates about your new community and listen to theirs

Regular communication helps you feel less isolated and strengthens your relationships. However, if maintaining contact feels difficult, try to create a routine to make it easier. Balancing communication with your new activities can help you manage both without feeling overwhelmed.

Start Your Senior Living Transition With Confidence

Moving to a senior living community is a big change and can bring feelings of loss. By addressing these emotions, seniors can adjust better. The senior living transition can be more positive with support from family, caregivers, and the community,

At LakeHouse Taylor Place, we prioritize emotional well-being with a caring, supportive environment. Our activities and programs help residents stay connected and engaged. See how we can make a positive difference in a more personalized senior environment.