How Families and Assisted Living Communities Can Work Together
Making the move to a senior assisted living community in Fairhope should be a smooth transition, but it can be worrisome for the families of new residents. Trusting the right assisted living community to support loved ones is a big deal. And working together with relatives is key to helping seniors thrive in a new environment. Below, we share the most effective ways families can work with staff to keep loved ones safe and happy in the community.
Establishing Initial Needs for Assisted Living
Families of seniors transitioning to assisted living often include caregivers who know their needs and schedules inside and out. Family relatives are the biggest advocate and have the most knowledge of everything from medical needs to favorite foods that can help their loved ones settle in quickly.
It’s important for families to talk to the team at the community about their loved one’s needs surrounding:
- Personal care and mobility limitations
- Medical conditions and medication schedules
- Their personality, hobbies, and socializing style
- Favorite foods and dietary restrictions
- Visiting expectations and how they would like to be contacted
- The little details that make them feel at home
Starting off with full communication, families and communities can work together for a seamless transition.
Ongoing Care Plans
As loved ones settle into life at an assisted care community in Fairhope, their needs will likely change. A resident’s initial assessment and care plan is simply a starting point and should evolve over time. When medical, mobility, or emotional concerns arise, families and team members should work together, crafting new care plans to keep their loved one in the best health.
Assisted living communities should regularly assess the plan for each resident, inviting families to share input and communicate changes. Working with staff to increase personal or medical care needs, helps seniors keep their independence while getting the extra attention they require.
Encouraging Social Activity
Some new residents can’t wait to join the classes, clubs, and activities available to them. Others are more shy by nature and need a little encouragement to engage with their new neighbors.
Working together with staff, families can highlight activities their loved one might enjoy. This can help seniors find like minded friends early in their journey. Residents can choose between scheduled activities and clubs or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of casual socializing.
At most assisted care communities, residents can enjoy:
- Yoga and gentle exercise classes
- Board games, card games, and intellectual clubs
- Arts, crafts, and gardening options for hands-on residents
- Organized outings and relaxed happy hours
Regular and Open Communication
Clear and frequent communication with staff can ease worries family members may have and keep them updated on their loved one’s progress. At the beginning, it’s normal to feel nervous while they settle in and experienced staff will often answer questions family members may have.
Building an ongoing relationship with the community helps families stay closely involved while feeling confident their loved one is in good hands. This trust allows family members to live life without unnecessary worries.
Different ways families can improve communication with staff by:
- Keeping them updated with vital medical information
- Making their contact wishes clear from the outset
- Reporting any changes they notice in their loved one’s health or behavior
- Communicating new needs when seniors share them
Staff can also reinforce trust with families by:
- Offering regular updates to put their mind at ease
- Making sure their staff contact list is current
- Act upon concerns or questions quickly
- Continue to ask how their loved one can be better served
Visitation and Building Connection With The Community
Community staff are always happy to update family members remotely, but seeing their loved one enjoying their community builds trust with the people caring for them. Seniors enjoy visits from family and especially enjoy introducing them to their new neighbors.
Families can meet with staff and connect with the community during any regular visit, but attending family based events can further build a solid relationship. Seniors often tell staff about the pride they have in their family members and staff enjoy connecting with the real people behind the stories they hear.
Looking for an Assisted Living Community that Puts Your Loved One First? Come Check Out The Brennity at Fairhope
The move to assisted senior living in Fairhope should be smooth for you and your loved one. At The Brennity at Fairhope Senior Living, we prioritize communication from the moment your family member joins us and throughout their entire residency. We know families worry about their loved ones, which is why we take pride in keeping you updated every step of the way.
Listening is the key and we take every medical and safety concern into account when learning all we can about your loved one’s lifestyle. Seniors at The Brennity at Fairhope make friends and maintain their precious hobbies, all while living a safe, healthy, and active lifestyle. Connect with our experienced team today and schedule a tour.
