Older Adults who relocate from their home to a community living environment, inevitably have varying feelings about the transition, the new lifestyle. Some cope well and adjust quickly to a completely new way of living. They enjoy new routines, new surroundings, and newly provided services. They embrace relocation with optimism and excitement. They view community living as a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and development. They value the opportunity to develop friendships, and appreciate the stimulation of age appropriate activities provided, accepting the help and support provided by professional, caring staff. They value the peace of mind that comes with having nutritious meals, transportation services, round-the-clock emergency services, housekeeping and laundry services at their fingertips.
Yet not all older adults adapt positively to relocation to community living. These negative responses may come as a surprise. Often emotional reactions include idealization the lost environment, frustration at loss of independence, sadness, anger, agitation and grief.
The degree of healthy adjustment to community living depends on numerous factors, including life experience with change, coping abilities, support systems, and mental and physical health. For these older adults, making major life transitions can be mystifying, foreign, and downright scary. They may benefit by meeting with a Medicare professional Geriatric Licensed Clinical Social Worker to help them through the process. Our geriatric specialists help demystify community living and help the person embrace its' numerous benefits, while pursuing new opportunities.
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If you or an older adult you care about are experiencing difficulty with adjustment issues, mood, behavioral, or grief/loss issues feel free to contact a Geriatric Clinical Social Worker, just refer back to the TheraCounsel Clinician webpage to locate a TheraCounselor near you:
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Making that First Call Can Make all the Difference. Isn't it time you felt better?
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