It’s A New Day: Transitioning to Senior Living Communities Part Two: Out and About and Making Friends
Submitted by Lori K. Yauch
M.A., CCC-SLP
Owner/Manager
Meaningful Memory Maker
“It’s a new day. It’s a new life for me, and I’m feeling good.” (Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse, 1964) This optimistic outlook can guide your loved one (“Maggie”) as she embarks on this new chapter.
Attacking The New Day
In the previous article, “Maggie” was settling into her new apartment. It was a space filled with her creature comforts and familiar items from “home”, as well as items that promote a night’s rest.
Now, as the new day dawns, Maggie is ready to step out into her community, eager to make friends, see new things, and not only do what she loves, but perhaps embark on something new. This social engagement is not just a key; it’s the door to feeling connected and part of the community. It’s an adventure waiting to unfold, filled with new experiences and opportunities. It’s a journey that promises excitement and optimism.
Making New Friends
Maggie is the ‘new girl in town’; therefore, it helps to have someone ‘show her around’, introduce her to new people, and educate her on ‘how things work around here.’ In many communities, this person may be referred to as a guide, an emissary, an ambassador, or a new friend, providing the support and guidance Maggie needs to feel welcome and safe in her new environment. This introduction process is often facilitated through group activities, social events, or one-on-one interactions. As her care partners, you can encourage Maggie to participate in these activities, help her remember important dates and events, and provide emotional support as she navigates her new social environment, ensuring that Maggie feels included and accepted in her new community.
Maggie’s ’emissary’, a pivotal figure in her transition, will conduct a comprehensive tour of the community. This tour ensures Maggie is familiar with key locations, such as the community restrooms, the restaurant, and the life enrichment and activity areas. The ’emissary’, often a staff member or a resident volunteer, is there to ensure Maggie feels welcome and safe in her new environment. They will also introduce her to other residents and staff, helping her to build a network of support. The ’emissary’s ‘role is to provide the support and guidance Maggie needs, and to reassure you, her care partners, that she is in good hands.
When the Life Enrichment Coordinator knows the leisure activities Maggie enjoys, such as watching movies, listening to music, playing simple games, going for car rides, and celebrating special occasions, she can guide her to those events with the provision of a calendar, and introduce her to the people who share her interests and may even share some common history (place of birth, work, or travel history). This common ground can foster reminiscing about life events and plant the seeds of lasting friendships, demonstrating that there are numerous opportunities for Maggie to connect with others.
As Maggie’s care partners, your role is also important. Your insights and guidance, shared with the staff who have direct contact with her and her new friends, will help ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for Maggie and her friends. Your involvement in highlighting the calendar activities she enjoys and placing simple reminders on her phone to help ensure her attendance is invaluable. Your continued support and participation will be key to Maggie’s successful transition.
Getting Out and About
Getting Out and AboutWith friends at hand, who will “pick her up” at her apartment for Sunday Brunch, lunches, and dinners, and introduce her to friends who enjoy game playing and can join her in her favorite card or tile games (Uno, Dominos, Rummikub) or join her at Movie Night when her favorite film is playing in the theatre, she will find comfort and support in her new circle of friends. Their warm companionship will make her feel at home in her new circle.
Navigating The Community: A Path to Independence
As Maggie begins to settle into her new life, one of the key steps in her transition is learning how to navigate her community with confidence. Familiarizing herself with important landmarks will not only help her find her way but also empower her to explore her surroundings and feel at home in her new environment.
Maggie’s journey will start with a guided tour from her friendly emissary, who will point out essential locations within the community. She’ll learn that the restaurant is just a short walk down the hall, marked by the vibrant murals that adorn the walls, leading her toward the aroma of freshly prepared meals. The game rooms, filled with laughter and camaraderie and the clatter of domino tiles, are conveniently located near the mezzanine, where residents often gather to chat. The theatre, a hub for movie nights, will soon become a cherished destination, easily accessible by following the cheerful garden path lined with blooming flowers and the scent of freshly popped corn coming from the open door.
By associating these landmarks with her outings, such as Sunday Brunch at the restaurant or fun afternoons playing games, Maggie will gradually develop a mental map of her new home. Encouragement from her care partners and friends will be instrumental in reinforcing her newfound confidence. They can accompany her on several outings, easing any anxieties she may have about navigating the space independently.
Once Maggie feels secure in her daily routes, she can take the next exciting step: exploring the broader city or town. With her new friends by her side, she can embark on field trips, discovering local parks, museums, and shops that enhance her sense of community and bring her the greatest joy in activities that bring her the most pleasure.
These adventures will not only deepen her connections but also create shared experiences that further solidify her friendships.
As Maggie gains confidence in her ability to navigate her community, she will enjoy a newfound sense of independence. Through exploration and connection, this journey will enrich her life, allowing her to embrace all the wonderful experiences her new chapter has to offer. Her growing independence will be a source of pride and empowerment for her and her support system. This journey to independence is a testament to the support and guidance she receives, as well as the opportunities for growth and connection in her new community.
Discovering A New Life
As Maggie embarks on this exciting new chapter of her life, the transition to senior living becomes a joyful adventure marked by discovery and connection. The opportunities for engagement abound as she navigates through her community, uncovering the vibrant tapestry of experiences available to her. Making new friends is not just about filling a void; it’s about weaving a rich social fabric that offers comfort and solace. Each interaction strengthens her sense of belonging and makes her feel at home in this new environment.
With supportive companions by her side, Maggie finds herself immersed in a world filled with shared interests—whether it’s joining in spirited card games or attending movie nights that spark the joy of nostalgia. These activities become touchstones for meaningful connections, as she discovers that others, too, appreciate the same simple pleasures of life. Navigating the community becomes more than mere exploration; it is a path to independence and self-discovery that fuels her spirit.
Through the guidance and friendships she cultivates, Maggie learns the importance of forging connections and the warmth of companionship. Her journey is transformative as she realizes that this new community is not just a place to live, but a vibrant space where she can thrive, laugh, and share her story. Surrounded by like-minded individuals who embrace her, Maggie finds herself blossoming into an integral part of this energetic community. Ultimately, it’s the adventure of making friends and navigating her surroundings that allows Maggie to reclaim her joy and embrace her newfound identity, creating a life filled with purpose, connection, and an enduring sense of home.
Submitted by Lori K. Yauch
M.A., CCC-SLP
Owner/Manager
Meaningful Memory Maker
