Where to Begin

Settling into Your New Community

Whenever the moving is done, and the boxes are unpacked, it’s time to explore this exciting new chapter of senior living. But don’t feel like you have to do it all in one day. In fact, it’s ok if it takes a little while to feel like you've settled in. But there are a few things you can do to speed up the process.

Personalize Your Space

Whether you brought your own furniture or your apartment came furnished, consider rearranging a few things to make the layout feel more like home. You may be surprised to discover how big of a difference this can make.

Hanging up curtains, framed artwork or family photographs can immediately transform a space, making it feel more personal, welcoming and warm. This is especially true if you are incorporating pieces you already own rather than new purchases.

Some residents like to create welcome signs, hang up wreaths or decorate their front door entry with personal touches. This gives you the chance to add your own personal touch and let people know a little more about who you are and what you like.

Personalize Your Space

Invite People Over

Extend an invitation to old friends and family to check out your newly decorated apartment. Loved ones will enjoy getting to see your apartment, and you can take them on a tour of the community. Consider coordinating their schedule during a meal time, so your family can enjoy a delicious meal while getting to spend quality time with you.

After you settle in, invite over some of your neighbors. Maybe it's to share some coffee or tea, watch a movie, or to enjoy an afternoon snack. Spending time with people is a sure-fire way to feel more at home. It'll also be an excellent way to meet other people at the community.

Invite People Over

Join in on the Fun

You'll be able to take advantage of all the different activities, celebrations, clubs, and excursions happening at the community. It may be tempting at first to want to stay in your apartment, but the more you engage with life at the community, the faster you'll feel connected. Participating in activities is a wonderful way to meet new friends, explore hobbies, and just have some fun.

You can pick and choose what events you participate in. So if you don't feel like joining in on something, no problem. We also encourage resident participation in creating clubs or activities, so if there's something you'd like to do, just let us know!

Join in on the Fun

For Caregivers: Supporting Your Loved One in Senior Living

If you have a loved one who just moved into senior living, you may play a more important role than you realize. Adjusting to a new place and new people can be overwhelming, and many residents lean on their friends and family for support in the early weeks. If you want to encourage your loved one as they make the transition to community life, here are a few tips:

How to Encourage a Loved One in Senior Living

For Caregivers: Supporting Your Loved One in Senior Living

1. Schedule regular visits.
If your loved one is lonely but knows a friend or family member is coming for a visit, they can have something to look forward and encourage them throughout the week. Consider coordinating a visit schedule with friends and family members so your loved one can look forward to regular social engagements.

2. Fill their fridge with food.
When people move into a new house, people often bring over housewarming gifts, like delicious meals. This is a gesture that can remind your family member that they are still an important part of your life, even though they’ve moved. It can also remove some of the pressure they may feel about eating all their meals in the common room when they first arrive on campus.

3. Help them come up with daily rituals.
Routines give us a sense of comfort and familiarity. Helping your loved one establish daily rituals, like morning coffee by the fireplace, going on a walk before bed, or taking a morning exercise class, can provide them with a more predictable schedule and help them acclimate to community life sooner rather than later.

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