What Do New Residents Experience First in Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC?

Leaving a familiar home and moving into assisted living in Raleigh, North Carolina, can be frightening at first because it's a big change. You may worry about losing control or your identity. In reality, a good community eases the transition with supportive orientation, personalized care, and a comfortable living space, and most new residents quickly realize their fears were unfounded.

While there's no denying that moving into assisted living in Raleigh, NC, represents a big lifestyle transition, it's not as scary as new residents might think. In fact, most have been through similar transitions in the past.

New resident orientation is similar to your first day at school or college. The night before, you feel nervous, speculating about all the ways things could go wrong, but when you arrive, you realize your fears were unfounded.

Why Assisted Living Can Feel Scary

According to Charles A Walker et al., it's not uncommon for seniors to feel nervous about moving into assisted living in Raleigh, NC. Life is full of transitions, but in old age, people tend to settle down into comforting routines in a familiar setting.

Seniors here in Raleigh, NC, might still live in a property they bought decades ago, and they've spent decades making it their home. It's not really surprising that many seniors are reluctant to give up that sense of predictability and control.

But for some, it's about more than just losing the home you live in; it's also anxiety about losing your sense of identity. Your home is filled with personal mementos and keepsakes. It's also decorated and furnished according to your preferences.

For many seniors, moving into an assisted living community feels like giving up their identity, not just their living space.

Why These Fears Are Unfounded

Thankfully, these fears are unfounded. When you move into a senior living community like Morningside of Raleigh, seniors will experience the following:

• Restoration of control: Assisted living is about helping seniors with mundane tasks like chores and meal preparation, giving them more free time and energy to do the things they love.
• Protection of Identity: A good senior living community commits to learning every resident's story and builds a routine and lifestyle around it.
• Personalized Space: These communities offer stylish apartments with high-quality amenities; it doesn't feel like you're living on a hospital wing.

Seniors who feel apprehensive or who refuse to consider assisted living should consider taking a tour. When seniors see what assisted living in Raleigh, NC, really looks like, they often realize their fears about senior care transition were totally unfounded.

What to Expect on Day One

Knowing what you can expect on day one can also help ease anxiety. During your first day at a senior living community, the goal is to help you get comfortable and oriented.

On arrival, you'll be shown your apartment, and a friendly team member will accompany you and show you all the essentials and answer any questions.

They'll show you how the emergency call system works, who to contact if you need help or have any maintenance concerns, and they'll also give you a quick rundown of the daily schedule.

They'll tell you when meal times are, and they'll ask a few questions about your life story and preferences and suggest a few community activities that might interest you.

While your support needs will have been discussed beforehand, they'll also confirm your care preferences and your medication schedule. But you won't be rushed into everything all at once.

The first day is all about creating a sense of comfort and stability, rather than meticulously checking all the boxes. After you've been shown your apartment, you'll be shown some important spaces where daily life happens.

And, by the end of the day, you'll know where things like the activity and game rooms are, and you'll be welcome to join in.

These communities recognize that the change can be overwhelming, so there's never any pressure to participate. Everything happens at your preferred pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pets Move Into Senior Living Communities, Too?

Yes, evidence consistently shows that owning pets like dogs can be beneficial for senior health. For example, according to a paper by Erika Friedmann et al., published in Innovation in Aging, owning pets is associated with better health outcomes, like fewer mobility problems.

At Morningside of Raleigh, small pets are lovingly welcomed into our supportive community where they'll be treated like part of the family. The orientation process isn't just for humans; we'll also introduce your pet to the community, and they'll get to meet their fellow canines on day one.

We understand that pets can also get nervous about moving into a new environment, and we support pets and their owners by making the transition as smooth as possible.

When Is Assisted Living Inappropriate?

Sometimes, starting assisted living isn't appropriate. There are usually two reasons for this: either the senior in question doesn't have many support needs, or their support needs are too great for an assisted community to manage.

Seniors who are in relatively good mental and physical health and don't need much daily assistance would probably be better suited to an independent living community. In these communities, seniors live largely on their own and have access to limited help in emergencies or during specific situations.

On the flip side, the CDC states that seniors with cognitive decline, such as those with Alzheimer's or dementia, require the specialist support that only memory care communities can provide. While the staff in assisted living communities are well-trained in senior support strategies, they lack the specialist knowledge and training to properly help seniors in the later stages of these illnesses.

Take a Tour and Experience Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC

Although moving into assisted living in Raleigh, NC, can initially seem overwhelming, the goal of day one is to help you regain control, comfort, and confidence. With a personalized routine, a welcoming team, and even support for pets, most seniors quickly feel at home and supported.

Morningside of Raleigh stands out with Sensations Dining, where residents enjoy chef-prepared, healthy meals in a stylish dining room featuring fresh ingredients, local cuisine, and favorite classics, along with themed events and holiday menus. Contact Morningside of Raleigh to learn more and schedule a tour and ease your anxiety.