Creating a support network in an assisted living facility is essential for seniors to have social connections and friendships. By building connections with other seniors and caregivers, seniors can enhance their quality of life by having a sense of belonging and community. A strong support network also provides emotional support, assistance, and socialization, all necessary for seniors to feel welcomed in assisted living facilities.
Contact Heaven Health for more information about our assisted living facilities.
Why Is a Support Network Important?
Maintaining social connections and building new ones is essential for everyone, especially seniors. Without a support network, it is easier for seniors to feel alone and isolated. Establishing an active social life and support network for the elderly with their peers makes them feel connected and a part of their new community. It also helps promote physical and mental well-being.
How Do You Build a Support Network in Assisted Living?
Building a support network in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living facility involves considering the needs of the senior. Since each person is different, their needs will also be different. So, it is vital to take this into account to develop an effective process when planning what to do.
Step 1: Consider What Help the Senior Requires
The first thing to do is determine what help the senior requires. Do they need help with some daily tasks, like dressing or bathing? Or do they need more assistance with feeding, using the bathroom, and so on? Once you have a detailed list of the help they need, it is easier to help them get the support they need from caregivers.
Step 2: Engage Family and Friends To Help
Transitioning to an assisted living facility is a significant change for many seniors. They no longer have the comfort of their home and often have to downsize. Getting help from family and friends to support the senior with regular visitations goes a long way toward developing a strong support network.
Step 3: Participate in Family Days at the Facility
Many assisted living facilities have family days, during which friends and family are invited to participate in different activities and events. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know the other residents at the facility and their family members. You can also encourage your loved one to make new elderly friendships.
Step 4: Establish Regular Communications With Staff Members
To ensure your loved one is doing well in their new environment, it is essential to establish open communications with staff members. This also provides staff members with a point of contact should they have any concerns they want to share.
Step 5: Encourage Open Communications
It is important to ensure your loved one gets the care, attention, and support they need. You should encourage them to openly communicate their feelings, how they are being treated, and anything else they want to share. Not only does this benefit them, but it also allows you to help identify potential concerns you can then discuss with your loved one’s care team.
How Do You Help Your Parents Make Friends in an Assisted Living Facility?
It is important to take an active role in helping your parents make friends when they are in an assisted living facility. Some of the things you can do include:
- Encourage your parents to participate in events and activities available at their facility
- When visiting your parents, take the time to introduce them to their neighbors
- Inform the staff about your parents’ interests, hobbies, and activities they enjoy to help the staff match them with other residents who share similar interests
- Encourage your parents to exercise in the community’s fitness center or take daily walks around the community, where they can meet new people and make new friendships in assisted living
- Suggest your parents attend meal times in the community dining room at the facility to meet new people instead of eating alone in their room
- Facilitate regular visits with friends and family to ensure your parents maintain those social connections
- When possible, accompany your parents to events and activities and help them strike up conversations with other residents
Find Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities in Arizona
When searching for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in Arizona, look no further than Haven Health. We are a leading provider and are considered the best assisted living facility and skilled nursing facility by our residents and their families. We also have multiple locations to provide the individualized care and support seniors need. Our caring and compassionate staff works with our residents and their families to ensure their loved ones develop and build a strong support network while making new friends in their new community.
Contact Heaven Health to arrange a tour of one of our facilities today.
Sources:
Render, J. (2023). Signs It’s Time for Senior Assisted Living.
Schoch, D. (2022). 11 Housing Options for Older Adults Who Need a Little or More Help.
Woodruff, L. (2021). Choosing the Right Long-Term Care Facility.