Ask Curtis: Difficult Time Adjusting

My mother recently went into an assisted living facility, but is having a difficult time adjusting. She is unable to take care of herself and doesn’t want to live with us, yet she seems miserable in her new place. Did we make the wrong decision?

- Distressed Family

Dear Distressed: There are many factors that may be affecting your mother. First of all, she is in a new environment and probably had to move from a home she was quite familiar in and may have lived in for a long time—that would be a difficult transition for anyone. Secondly, is your mother participating in the social activities the facility holds? Does she still visit her friends or attend church or other social gatherings like she may have before? Many times people see moving into any type of assisted living facility as giving up and they simply stop socializing. Tell your mom that the new place isn’t a death sentence and encourage her to resume her regular social activities, as well as begin attending the new facility’s events. She will begin making friends and start feeling more at home. Also, it is important for family to visit often during this transition and even join her in the social activities as well; this will all help ease her into her new way of life.

If you have questions or suggestions for Curtis, email him at: curtis@ashtonseniorliving.com