Moving into senior living is exciting, but it can come with a lot of change and uncertainty. Don’t get discouraged if you are anxious or wary at first; adjustment can take a little time!
Allow yourself time to settle in and create space to talk about how you feel along the way. We recommend following these five tips to help you fully embrace your new community:
1. Keep an open mind.
It may sound a bit cliché, but hear us out. Making a conscious effort to keep an open mind can help you adjust to your new lifestyle! Vineyard Senior Living provides a sense of community that you won’t find anywhere else. You won’t benefit from it unless you embrace it.
Even if you are anxious or feeling down, try to push yourself to open up a little each day. Reserving judgment and trying new things will work wonders in helping you enjoy your new surroundings. Before you know it, you’ll fully immerse in your unique lifestyle and never look back.
2. Set up your own support network.
During times of change, support from family and friends is invaluable. Your network can help you make the physical transition to senior living and provide emotional support, too.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from loved ones. Support can mean many things, from daily visits to phone calls or simply being available when you need it. There’s no one-fits-all solution that works for everyone.
At Vineyard, you can also lean on the network of professionals. We offer the best support staff in the industry. Our team is dedicated to making residents feel comfortable and at home. If you need something, don’t hesitate to ask!
3. Get out of your comfort zone.
When dealing with a significant change in life, it can be easy to recoil and fall into isolating habits that feel more comfortable. However, you’ll never enjoy all that Vineyard Senior Living offers unless you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Venturing out does not have to be a daily occurrence—simply make an effort once a week to make a connection, attend an event, or try something new. More often than not, residents who get out there find new interests, hobbies, and passions that give them a sense of purpose during retirement.
4. Create a new routine.
Building a new routine is a helpful way to help us cope when we’re feeling uncertain. Routines add structure and predictability to everyday life. Your routine can help you feel comfortable.
Start by carrying on parts of your old routine while slowly folding in new elements. For example, you can maintain your daily chore list but attend one social event a week in the community.
Having a routine in place each day is also an effective way to keep busy, stay motivated, and avoid falling into a rut. You can even try to find an accountability buddy for parts of your routine like waking up early or getting daily exercise.
5. Don’t be afraid to make new connections.
One of the benefits of the senior living lifestyle is the opportunity for regular social engagement. It is well documented that social interaction is vital to human health, especially later in life.
There are many opportunities to make connections and new friends at Vineyard Senior Living. Chances are that you have a lot in common with your neighbors. Making new friends is a great way to build community, gain a support network, and explore hobbies with like-minded individuals.
Enjoy Your New Lifestyle at Vineyard Senior Living
Vineyard Senior Living aims to provide everything seniors need to thrive during retirement. Everything you need, from excellent dining to activities, amenities, and opportunities to give back. To find out more about the lifestyle we provide, give us a call.