Independent Senior living: Overcoming Homesickness
Published on June 21, 2019
Whether you moved into a senior living community out of necessity or by choice, coping with homesickness in senior living may still be something that challenges you everyday. Signs that you or someone you know may be dealing with homesickness includes shyness or reluctance to get involved in social situations, headaches and anxiety for those who normally don’t experience them, trouble sleeping or over sleeping, and a lack of appetite. Independent senior living homesickness is caused by a variety of factors. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of home sickness, and how you can get relief for this nagging feeling.
Causes of Homesickness for Seniors
There are several causes for senior living homesickness. Some experts say these feelings spring from a lack of control about your routine and surroundings. Social anxiety as part of homesickness may also be caused by believing that you need to act a certain way to fit in. Missing your long-time neighbours or the hobbies you used to have at home may also contribute to these feelings. But what is at the core of homesickness? It stems from our instinctive need for protection, love, and security. These feelings are usually associated with home, so being in a new place can make you long for familiar things. Homesickness can come in waves, but finding ways to adapt and deal with it is the best way to move forward.
How to Make Independent Senior Living Feel More Like Home
Getting out of our heads and out of an emotional rut can be very difficult, but it isn’t impossible. Here are some tips that can help you or your loved one adjust to your new surroundings with ease.
Don’t allow the new space to become cramped and cluttered, but save the objects that hold sentimental value.
Hang family pictures around the new home to help your loved one embrace the warmth of familiar faces and treasured memories.
Add colour to the new space to improve energy and mood levels. Consider tossing a few warm-coloured pillows on the bed or couch or hang some colorful pieces of art alongside the family pictures.
Place items that increase comfort around the home such as cozy throw blanket, treasured mementos, or their favourite mug collection. By personalizing the living environment, even a new space can feel right at home. Placing these items around the new home can also help as part of the nesting process.
How V!VA Retirement Communities Helps Seniors to Feel at Home
Moving into a retirement community is a major adjustment, but it can be a positive experience with the right care and team on your side. At V!VA Retirement Communities, you or your loved one can enjoy one of the best places to live for seniors. Our communities offer delicious homemade meals, amazing service, and a variety of amenities that help our Community Members feel comfortable and happy. We also extend our services to provide assisted living care for those who need extra support. If you or your loved one enjoys the outdoors, we have beautiful natural features and fun entertainment opportunities around the town at each of our locations. We also allow our Community Members to personalize their apartments to make their new living arrangements feel more like home.
Ready to learn more about the comforts of life at V!VA? Contact us at 1-888-984-8482 or visit our web site to learn more about the features and services available at each location.
