Settling Into Your New Senior Living Home

It seems so much information is out there about how to decide on senior living and how to prepare for the move, but what about once you’re in the community? What can you expect those first few days? That’s a common question from potential residents and their families, but one that’s often not discussed as much. We’re here to change that. Here’s what you can look forward to after the move to your new senior living home.

Day One in Your New Senior Living Home

The day you move to your new senior living home is likely to be a flurry of activity. First, you’ll need to get everything moved in and start unpacking. If you haven’t already completed all the new resident paperwork and oriented yourself to the community and its policies, you’ll need to do that as well.  

Later in the day, whether it’s a staff member or a new resident ambassador, which many communities offer, you’ll be introduced to other residents, get the scoop on your new senior living home, and have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions. Typically, this person will also join you during your first meal to ensure the experience is stress-free and enjoyable for you.

As You Start to Settle In

Over the next few days, you’ll have the opportunity to truly settle into your new senior living home. Typically, you’re given an activity calendar when you move in, if not before, but if you don’t have one, make sure to ask a staff member right away. Getting involved and active is a surefire way to quickly feel more at home. If your new senior living home is anything like ours, you’ll have a range of options from social events, exercise programs, classes, clubs, live music and entertainment, opportunities for creative expression, game nights, group outings, religious services, volunteer opportunities, and more! Many communities also offer new resident orientation to further acclimate you to your new senior living home and all it offers, from amenities to safety features.  

If you’ll be receiving daily support, such as assistance with personal care or medication management, it’s during these first few days that you’ll meet your caregivers and start to get into a routine. However, if you’re still living independently, you can rest assured that caring staff are always nearby, and they’re likely to be introducing themselves to you, offering a warm welcome.

To help ease the transition, senior living communities like ours always welcome family and friends as well. We know it often takes a small army to move, and we want to make sure they feel at home, too. So, bring them around with you as you explore the grounds, enjoy the common areas, and get to know the staff and residents.

Keep in mind that regardless of how confident you feel in your move to your new senior living home, it’s common for there to be some highs and lows. Moving day is likely to be emotional for sure, and there may be times as you settle in that are as well. That’s why we believe the first 30 days after the move are key to the transition. Be sure to give yourself this time to adjust before making any changes and remember to lean on your new neighbors and friends; they’ve been there as well and can offer invaluable tips and support.  

For more tips on settling into your new senior living home, download our Successful Transitions Guide.