8 Ways to Build New Relationships When You Move to Assisted Living

January 7, 2015 by ·

Building New Relationships in an Assisted Living Facility in Citronelle, AL

Assisted Living Citronelle, ALMoving into an assisted living community could be an exciting time for some, but it can also be a nervous transition for others. The elderly individual may be moving into an assisted living facility where they already know some people, especially if they are going to remain close to where they had lived previously. They may also be moving to a place that is quite a bit farther away from their original home, especially if they want to be closer to family who live in another state or a far drive away from them.

No matter who the elderly individual is, no matter how many people they might already know at this assisted living facility, they might still have difficulty meeting new people and building new relationships. Below are 8 ways to help forge new friendships, new bonds, and new relationships when moving into an assisted living community:

1. Put yourself out there. It’s not always easy to reach out and connect with others, especially if you have a shy personality. However, if you remain locked up in your room day in and day out, you’re never going to meet anyone new.

2. Smile. While walking down the hall, going to the restaurant to eat, or doing an activity, make an effort to smile. It’s a sign to others that you’re open and receptive to conversation.

3. Say ‘Hello.’ Just a quick ‘hello’ can be more than enough to let others know that you’re warm, welcoming, and friendly. That could get a conversation started and that’s how relationships get built.

4. Be willing to listen.  All relationships require both people have the opportunity to talk and listen. It’s easy for some people to talk, but it’s not easy for a lot of people to listen.

5. Take part in activities at the assisted living facility. There are probably going to be plenty of activities to take part in – get involved. Avoiding them because they don’t interest you is one thing, but you may miss out on meeting some interesting and wonderful people if you don’t do anything.

6. Eat in the restaurant. Your apartment might have an eat-in kitchen, but head down to the restaurant a couple of times a week at least. This will help you meet new people.

7. Leave your door open. It’s comfortable to close the door behind you to stay safe.  But when you live in an assisted living facility, it could help to leave it open during the day when you’re up and moving around. This lets others know you’re receptive to a quick hello.

8. Stop by and say hi. When you meet new people, don’t expect them to always come down and say hi to you; be willing to go to their rooms and visit, too.

These tips can help you build better relationships in your assisted living community.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living near Citronelle, AL at 251-317-3017.

 

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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