One of the biggest worries for seniors planning to transition to senior living in Exton, PA, is whether they will be able to easily stay connected with family and friends while also building new relationships. The fear of loneliness, difficulty in forming new bonds, and adjusting to new routines can appear overwhelming, however, experienced senior living professionals offer built-in and personalized opportunities for connection that take all of the hard work out of staying social for you.
Maintaining strong connections after transitioning to senior living requires some effort, but with the right strategies, you can keep your relationships thriving while also embracing the new and exciting horizon. Here are some practical tips to help you stay engaged, no matter your circumstances.
Just because you’ve moved doesn’t mean your relationships with loved ones have to fade. In fact, with intentional effort, you may find that your bonds with family and friends can grow even stronger!
One of the best ways to maintain relationships is to establish a routine for communication. Setting up a regular call, video chat, or letter exchange gives both you and your loved ones something to look forward to.
Weekly video calls: Designate a time each week to catch up with children, grandchildren, or old friends via Zoom or FaceTime.
Themed calls or letters: Make communication fun by sharing stories, recipes, or book recommendations in letters, emails, or messages.
Record and share voice memos: If video calls aren’t convenient, sending short voice messages via apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger can be an easy way to stay in touch. Your compassionate caregivers can help you learn how to easily send voice memos over apps.
When family members visit, make the experience meaningful by planning activities that you can enjoy together, such as:
Encourage your loved ones to visit regularly, but understand that they may have busy schedules. If visits are less frequent, make each one special by focusing on quality time together.
A briefly touched one, technology can help bridge physical distance and keep you connected. If you’re not familiar with how to use digital tools, top Exton, PA, senior living communities offer tech assistance that’s as easy as pressing the send button.
Social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram allow you to see updates, photos, and videos from family and friends.
Video calls: Apps like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime allow for face-to-face conversations.
Group chats: Messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage let you stay in touch with multiple family members all at once.
If technology feels overwhelming, ask a staff member or a younger family member for a tutorial. Many senior living communities also offer tech workshops to help residents stay connected digitally.
Moving to a new environment can seem daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to meet new people and form meaningful friendships. The senior living experience as a whole is designed to encourage connections naturally, based on your unique background and preferences.
Most senior living communities offer a variety of social amenities and events, including:
Attending these events allows you to meet like-minded individuals and gradually form friendships in a natural way.
Restaurant-style dining areas featuring award-winning chefs, impeccably designed lounges, and landscaped outdoor spaces provide opportunities for casual conversations with other peers. If you’re nervous about introducing yourself, try starting with a simple greeting, a smile, or even a compliment to break the ice.
Making new friends as an adult can feel intimidating, but the more open you are to engaging with others, the easier it will become. You never know who might share similar interests or life experiences!
Our experts have curated more helpful information for transitioning to memory care, personal care and assisted living, so be sure to check out these blogs for engagement tips that are specifically customized for your needs!
While maintaining relationships is important, there are common barriers that may pop up in the process. Being aware of them can help you navigate them more effectively with the help of those around you.
Moving into senior living can feel isolating at first, but actively engaging in community activities and reaching out to loved ones can help ease this transition.
If family members are juggling work and personal responsibilities, they may not visit as often as you’d like. In these cases, consider alternative ways to connect, such as sending postcards or scheduling video chats in advance.
If using a smartphone or computer feels overwhelming, ask staff members or younger family members for assistance. Many senior living communities provide technology support to help residents stay connected.
It’s natural to feel nervous about meeting new people, but even the smallest efforts—like sitting with different individuals at mealtimes or letting conversations spark naturally at group events—can lead to meaningful friendships over time.
Transitioning to senior living is not only a new chapter in life, but could be your most exciting one yet. Allow our dedicated and tenured Arbor Terrace Exton senior living team to help you get started by staying proactive, embracing technology, and engaging in community activities, truly empowering you to stay socially active and engaged.
Are you ready to achieve your most active and exciting retirement lifestyle yet? Download our Stay Active, Stay Young: A Senior’s Handbook to Vibrant Living for more information on finding a senior living community in Exton, PA, that checks every box of your wants and needs. It’s your time to shine boldly, and with the right people in your corner, you’ll truly enjoy every day to the fullest.