Once you have moved to a senior living lifestyle, you need to acknowledge that, as much as you may have wanted this, change can be stressful. This is very different to owning or renting your own home and you are bound to find it intimidating in the beginning. Here is some advice to help you get the most out of your new life.

It Takes Time

The long-term goal is to become a well-adjusted member of your new community and living a joyful life. This is your new home and you need to embrace it, for your own wellbeing. But it is a big change and most people do not adapt overnight. Acknowledge this and have realistic expectations.

Don’t be tempted to unpack everything on day one or get stuck with a set way of arranging your space. Take time to feel the energies of the room and become familiar with its dimensions. If possible, hold off on selling your old furniture for a few weeks after moving so that you can still select the pieces that fit your new lifestyle best and make you feel at home.

Sign up for Activities

Find out where you can get a copy of the community activity calendar. Most communities have ample choices so that you can select a few things you will enjoy doing or learning. Ask about special trips and put your name down.

Make Friends

Make friends cautiously at first until you get to know people properly. Be friendly but don’t tell everyone your whole life story. Allow time for friendships with those you form a bond with to develop into something deeper. If you join a group activity that you truly enjoy, you are more inclined to meet like-minded people there that you can form closer relationships with. Quality over quantity wins every time.
The other side of the coin is that you may find yourself drawn into a circle of friends that sits together at mealtimes and does everything together. Given that you are all at similar life stages, there are common understandings and shared support is available. This can provide you with valuable company and you will always have someone you can visit for a cup of coffee or a sherry.

Set Goals

Your goals should be small, manageable, and realistic. Make a list of what you want to achieve from your new life. Then set out to claim your future.

No Biological Children of their Own

If you are battling to settle in because you are not comfortable with the particular senior living community you have chosen, first make sure that this is not just you being overwhelmed by change and that you have given it a good chance. However, if you have definitively determined that the place is the wrong one for you, as opposed to the lifestyle, you need to check out your other options for senior living throughout Illinois and make the move.

This is your life and it is up to you to make the most of it.