How to Feel At Home in Independent Living
Moving into an Independent Living community can feel a little strange for many seniors. You might know that you’ll get to enjoy vibrant living in your senior years, but that doesn’t mean a community immediately feels like home.
Fortunately, it may only be a matter of time until you truly get settled in. You may start to feel at home in Independent Living by taking these actions:
Decorate Your New Home
Leaving the comfort of your own home for the unfamiliarity of a new home in a senior living community can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. It’s only natural to feel like you’re in a strange environment.
However, those feelings may soon subside if you bring possessions from your old home to your new one. You can decorate with the things that bring you joy and comfort. Artwork, family photos, throw pillows, and special blankets are just some of the many items that can be helpful for personalizing your apartment for your comfort and mental health.
Participate in Social Activities
As nerve-wracking as it can sometimes be to participate in group activities with people you don’t know, take the opportunity if it’s offered. Most well-established Independent Living communities plan scheduled activities, events, and classes so residents can be social and make new friends.
While you might not know anyone at the start of an activity, you may have a wonderful group of friends and social connections by the time it ends.
Eat in Shared Dining Spaces
Most vibrant senior living communities give their residents the freedom to choose how they dine. The preferred option is to eat homestyle meals served in a shared dining space, but residents can also use their kitchenettes and the shared resident kitchen. They are also free to dine in their local communities.
However, when you want to feel at home in Independent Living, eating in your community’s shared dining spaces can be a valuable experience. Not only do you enjoy delicious meals prepared by expert chefs, but you can also socialize with other residents. Chatting, laughing, and getting to know other residents can often lead to life-long friendships.
Explore Your Community
All Independent Living residents have their own private apartments to call home. These are safe, serene, and private spaces for residents to rest and relax. However, you may like to avoid spending all your free time at home! Take time to explore your senior living community.
Visit and engage with the shared spaces and meander the grounds. The more familiar you become with your new living environment, the more comfortable you may feel.
Invite Your Friends and Family
Choosing to move into an Independent Living community doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your support network outside the community. You can still maintain the same social circles and networks as before moving.
Don’t be afraid to invite your friends and family to visit. Most communities are visitor-friendly, allowing you to socialize, dine, and even enjoy private catered functions with your loved ones. Knowing you can invite them into your new home may make you feel more confident and comfortable in your chosen Independent Living community.
Schedule a Tour of Asher Point Independent Living of Montgomery
Settling into a new Independent Living community can seem daunting, but you don’t have to feel uncomfortable for long. You may feel settled in before long by joining in on community events, dining with your neighbors, and bringing creature comforts to decorate your apartment.
Are you ready to move into a vibrant Independent Living community that feels like home? Schedule a tour of Asher Point Independent Living of Montgomery today. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms.
