PAGE 10
Mar/Apr 2014
Hospital Newspaper - NE
The Adjustment Factor in Assisted Living by Lois Alcosser
Change is difficult for most everyone and the older you are, the harder it is. A change of address can be traumatic for older adults. Leaving one’s home, one’s neighborhood, perhaps city and state can cause fear and resentment, even when the move will bring a daughter, son or grandchildren nearby. When the move is to an assisted living residence, there are mixed feelings. On the one hand, not being burdened by housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, is welcome. Having people around, things to do, health care, well-prepared meals, transportation, security night and day makes lots of sense. On the other hand, the prospect of a changed lifestyle and unknown environment can be frightening. Long before the actual move, no matter how advantageous, the family member who is responsible for the decision has lots of cajoling and convincing to do. A play called “I’m Not Ready Yet,” is the scenario of a mother’s resistance, despite the fact that living alone is no longer an option. The playwright, Lawrence Apple, has captured the actual dilemma because he writes from immediate experience as the VicePresident of The Greens Assisted Living Residence in Wilton, CT. The Greens recognizes that the idea of calling an assisted living residence one’s new home is unlike any other experience of moving to a new place. Instead of the excitement of “moving on” with the anticipation of new adventures in living, there is a feeling of reluctance about leaving well-worn familiarity and lifelong routines. The Greens has been helping families to know they are not alone, that there are ways to make the move to assisted living easier. For example, at one of The Greens’ popular Community Education Series, Patty Gabal, who runs a service called “Changing Places” demonstrated ways to assist older adults and their families face the emotional, physical and mental aspects of relocation, the nitty-gritty. “After all, before anyone moves in, they have to move out, “ she explained. Down-sizing requires de-cluttering the homestead and decreasing one’s “stuff.” What to do with the dining room table that served the family for years? Or the piano? Or the mixed paraphernalia in closets? The admissions process at The Greens at Cannondale aims to make the adjustment to assisted
photo by Gretchen Yengst
living as smooth as possible. “We’ve faced just about every difficulty that can occur for the family as well as the new resident, “ says Kristen Johnson, Admissions Counselor at The Greens. ”From the first moment someone walks through our doors, I want them to feel a level of comfort. We know that everyone’s story is different. Our goal is to find out what that story is and really get to know each individual. This allows us the tools to guide someone step by step through the entire move-in process, to make what can often feel like an overwhelming task into a smooth and comfortable transition.” One of the techniques that was tried matched a newcomer with an experienced resident, from the very first day. It was supposed to give the newcomer an instant friend. It worked well for a while, but it was soon replaced by a more low-key, natural way to socialize. The Greens provides so many varied activities that residents with similar interests meet each other at classes, exercise sessions, rehearsals for musical productions, resident meetings and more recently, a very successful afternoon “Happy Hour” with a full selection of beverages, appetizers, open seating in a cafe’ atmosphere. This way, opportunities for friendship are all around, while freedom of choice and privacy are respected.
A major reason for choosing assisted living is to be better cared for while still feeling independent. The first few weeks are very important. The staff is aware that new residents need to feel at home as soon as possible. The staff is taught how to
make it happen, and it works! A new resident said: “When I first came here I was worried about how I would fit in. At my age, I was afraid of how would I ever be able to start over. But when I came here I started to meet the other people
who live here and the staff is so caring, my fears went away. Now, this is my home.” Adjustment to a new lifestyle happens one day and one activity at a time. The Greens at Cannondale is at 435 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 203-61-1191.
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