Thriving in a Senior Living Community

Make This Chapter in Your Life a Great One!

Moving into a Senior Living Community is a big decision and involves a life-changing transition. Many seniors fear it signals the beginning of the end for them. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Moving into a senior living community can be the beginning of a whole new adventure in life.

After moving into CRISTA Senior Living in Shoreline, Washington, Beth said, “I had no idea people living here had so much fun!”

The move not only simplified Beth’s list of daily responsibilities, but it also expanded her group of friends, provided access to more activities and learning opportunities, and gave her meaningful interactions with others. She soon realized she had chosen well in the place she now calls home.

Choose carefully when considering Senior Living Communities

The most important factor in thriving in a senior living community is choosing the right one for you. Factors to consider include location, atmosphere, the values of the community, how staff members treat the residents, and if you like it or not.

Visit many communities, and then visit them again. Take your time in finding the one that meets your needs. And don’t forget to consider details like how good the food tastes, how clean the buildings are, and how close it is to your children.

“Finding the Right Senior Living Community for You” is a detailed blog post that will give you further information on choosing the right place to call home.

Enter your new community with an open heart

Once you’ve chosen where to live, move in with an open heart to the people living there. Be ready to make new friends, get involved in activities, and enjoy your neighbors in the community.

This is a big transition for you so give yourself time to adjust. Depending on your personality, it may take months or even a year for you to feel comfortable—remember that! Keep your old ties with family, friends, and neighbors, and invite them to visit you in your new home to make the transition easier. At the same time, push yourself to go outside of your comfort zone to meet new people.

While adjusting, try to reach out to at least one new person each day to build relationships. This can be as simple as smiling and saying hello when you take the elevator together. Start with those living closest to you. You will find friends when you make the effort to be a friend.

Eating your meals in the dining room and engaging in group activities are some of the best ways to meet new people. Even if you feel shy, make the effort to converse with those at the table where you are sitting. Sharing an activity or meal lessens awkwardness and allows for a more relaxed conversation.

Try new things

Wherever you choose to live, getting involved is the best way to thrive. Now is your time to expand your horizons by sampling a variety of activities before choosing where you want to spend the bulk of your time.

Attend events and check out activities in your new community. You may find the world opens up for you to attend musical and theatrical outings more freely than when you had to make all the arrangements for them on your own. And now is your chance to dive into some things you’ve wanted to do but didn’t have the equipment for.

CRISTA Senior Living has a huge room filled with art supplies, a well-equipped woodworking studio, a variety of exercise options including a pool, and gardens that residents are welcome to help tend. Along with these, there are resident-led groups that include a writing group, grief support group, choir, mission group, prayer groups, and Bible studies. Residents are welcome to start new groups as well.

Find out more about CRISTA Senior Living at https://cristaseniorliving.org/.