Helping New Residents Adjust to Your Assisted Living Facility

Every assisted living resident is unique. As an Executive Director or staff member, your focus is on helping them to adjust, and then thrive. Ensuring a smooth transition is an essential key to winning management and happy residents. It’s also part of your marketing since word of mouth, not only from your residents, but also from their families is indeed your most effective advertising.

5 Ways to Encourage a Smooth Transition

1. Conveying Dignity and Respect: While this may seem to be an obvious factor, it can be lost in the process. Accepting that they need some help and moving from a long-time residence into an assisted living center is a major life change. Walking beside a new resident and their family, rather than ‘directing’ them, is a must. Don’t get so involved in covering the business side of the “move in” that personal warmth and understanding get buried.
   
   
2. Communication: Keep communication lines open. Ensure that each new resident has a full understanding of their legal rights, available services, and the facility's guidelines and various offerings. Never forget that the most important aspect of communication with your residents, new and old, is listening.
   
   
3. Customization: No two residents are exactly alike. Some clients need assistance with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), while others are looking for a community for socialization. From their first inquiry, to move-in, to transitioning into this next phase of life, create a personal plan that meets their needs.
   
   
4. Comfort Ties: Encourage new residents to glide, rather than jump, into this new phase of life.
   
               - For example, in unfurnished facilities, encourage residents to bring their own furnishings such as aloveseat, chair, bed, a favorite armoire, and so on, but even if your facility is furnished, encourage them to bring smaller items to personalize their space. Family photos, a lamp or two, a favorite afghan, it can all help their new home be just a bit more comfortable and is a connection to the familiar as they adjust to the new.
   
               - Apply the same principle with your services. Just as your assisted living facility offers dining options, a salon, activity and wellness programs, help them make the transition at a comfortable pace. Recognize that some residents may choose to not participate in activities while others may still be able to continue with outside activities, such as attending their church or keeping membership in a civic group.

5. Connection: Encourage visits from family and friends as often as they wish. Keeping connected with loved ones is extremely important but if the new resident doesn’t have family in the area, make a point of stopping by their apartment or room to say hi. Stop and chat when you see them out and about in community areas. Introduce them to current residents. Personal connections are vital to a smooth and happy transition.

They chose your facility. Now do everything you can to make it a great fit. Encourage new residents to make their room their own and connect with others. Help them maintain as much independence as possible while utilizing the services they need, so they don’t feel like everything has been taken away.