BackPartnering with your Assisted Living for Resident Success
Article submitted by Shelly Nettesheim, Community Relations Director, Apple Tree, Apple Village, and Gardens Assisted Living Facilities.
As with any major change in life, transitioning into an assisted living environment can be difficult for residents and their families. The following tips will help family members and residents maintain a successful and enjoyable assisted living experience.
- Stay involved in their life - Although assisted living facilities can provide residents with social interaction and activities, there is no substitution for the familiar feeling of family and friends. Encourage those who know your loved one to visit and maintain contact, especially after they have moved into a facility. Plan to attend a facility-planned activity and get to know other residents. Invite your loved one out for a drive, over for dinner, or another family activity (reunion, wedding, shower, church event, etc.). Maintaining relationships and developing new ones will help residents adjust to their new assisted living environment.
- Monitor their level of care - Keep in touch with the assisted living staff so you are aware of any concerns or changes regarding your loved one. Some facilities offer regularly scheduled meetings to discuss how the resident is doing. Many facilities have an "open door" policy where administrative staff are available to address any questions or concerns. Keeping the lines of communication open is very important.
Assisted living gives families and residents the unique opportunity to focus on their relationship and to
have peace of mind in knowing that a dedicated staff will take good care of the resident.
Staying involved and invested are two of the most important aspects you can do to help residents adapt to their
new environment and make the partnership with the assisted living facility successful.