No matter what stage of life you are in, you’re likely well connected to a social group that keeps you engaged and busy. When transitioning into assisted living, the role of social interaction cannot be overlooked and must be maintained so that the new living standard does not interrupt or overwhelm you or your elderly loved one. If assisted living is on the horizon for your family, let’s take a look at why staying social is so important.
Finding new hobbies
When you are transitioning to assisted living and community care, one of the best parts is discovering new hobbies. But those new hobbies are also a great way to make new friends who you can share a common interest with. Whether it is a creative pursuit or a new skill, assisted living offers an activity or craft to suit almost anyone. In those activities is a chance to build a new network of friends who all enjoy similar hobbies and are looking to share time with each other. Be open to trying to new activities and chatting to the residents who are also taking part in those activities.
Offer your time
In assisted living, one of the best ways to stay social is to help out and volunteer your time. Whether it’s showing new residents the ropes or maybe helping out in the activities, volunteering is a great way to meet a lot of new people. Helping out is also very personally rewarding as well, giving back to the people in a new community will help make you feel part of the family straight away. Volunteering doesn’t have to be time-consuming either, it can be on a when needed basis. Spending your time in assisted living helping others is a great way to increase your social circles with both staff and residents.
Start a walking group
Transitioning into assisted living and staying social doesn’t have to just be about the organized activities. Try taking the initiative and starting a walking group with the other residents. Exercise is not only great for your body and overall health, but it is a great way to stay connected with others. A simple walking group around the community is a great opportunity to meet new people and stay active together. A walking group will not only promote a larger social circle but better sleep as well. For the small investment of time, you will build a big network of friends and keep up your activity levels as well.
Special events
A fun and unique way to make friends is to organise a mixer of sorts in your new community. Take the time to plan a small event with a fun theme for people to get to know each other. Think simple themes like Hawaiian shirts or mismatched patterns. The fun themes help people immediately get out of their comfort zone and open up with each other. No one will be worried about looking silly if everyone is wearing a Hawaiian shirt. These events can be small scale and run with as few or as many people as you want. Talking to your coordinators is a great way to get the idea started.
Transitioning into assisted living is a fantastic way to become a social butterfly again. With a community full of like-minded and similar residents, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to a new social circle. In order to make the most friends that you can, you may need to put in a little effort. To stay social as you transition into assisted living, use this simple guide to help you build a whole new network of friends.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.