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HE A LTH • Spring 2021 25 Same Day Service All Forms of Medication Assisted Treatment The Addiction Immediate Care center provides rapid access to a full continuum of treatment for any type of substance use disorder, all in one place. Services Include: • Ongoing management of therapeutic medications including suboxone, vivitrol, methadone • Rapid assessment of alcohol and substance use disorder • Individual counseling • Support groups • And more! To make an appointment call 508-949-8981 harringtonhospital.org/aic SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE H ow many of us can truly say we like change? Not many. Any initial tran- sitions, whether it be a new job, a new home, or school, can be difficult. The transition, and even the deci- sion, to move to a long-term care commu- nity can be another one of those challeng- ing life transitions for both seniors and their children. Acknowledging the transi- tion can be difficult is both necessary and refreshing – professionals in a long-term care community know this as well and shows seniors and their children alike this new experience is a shared experience, making the concept of transitioning to a long-term care community less isolating. It is completely normal for many emo- tions to follow the decision to move to a long-term care community, including relief, guilt, sadness, and happiness. It is important to reinforce the reasons why the decision to move to a long-term care community was made in the first place. A long-term care community has many benefits: increas- ing social engagement, more clinical care, 24/7 supervision, better meals, assistance with activities of daily living, a safer, more accessible living space, and more. A great deal of thought, research, and planning is typically involved when looking for the best communi- ty. Take the time to become familiar with a community before the move – it can help ease fear and appre- hension. Always make sure to take a pre- move tour if available, ask questions, make new plans for the new living space, and learn about the social and recre- ational activities. Do this by observing, or even participating in a program! Staff and residents are usually more than will- ing to talk with other seniors and poten- tial new residents about their experienc- es; have a meal with a resident! Make sure to use them as a resource on tours. You can make the move easier by making it exciting – bringing key items from the senior's previous living space will make the new residence feel more familiar. This can include artwork, fam- ily photographs, a favorite quilt, and a tote of their favorite crafts or hobbies such as knitting materials, crossword puzzles, and stationary. Then, go shop- ping for a few new items, such as deco- rative pillows or books to create a feel- ing of excitement for the new space! One of the biggest keys to success is to allow the new resident some space to help them digest their new surround- ings, while offering options and friend- ship. Family members may understand- ably experience feelings of guilt or anxi- ety when someone close to them transi- tions to a long-term care community. However, it is essential to give them space and freedom to help them estab- lish independence. If the senior is shy, introverted, or has a difficult time adjusting, speak to a staff member to help them get the support they need. It can take a long time for a new resi- dent to adjust, especially in a memory care setting. Rest assured, your loved one is being cared for. With an abun- dance of patience and kindness, even the most challenging transitions will work out. Be patient with the process. New residents' necessary level of care will change and f luctuate over time. Long-term care com- munities have the resources and knowl- edgeable staff members to meet those changing needs. Staff observe residents and discuss changes in care needs with the resident or designated family member or friend. Make sure to use resources available to you. Every transition and new phase in life comes with unexpected challenges and issues; moving to a new community is no exception. Take advan- tage of the professionals within the new community and any other resources. Keep in mind that long-term care com- munities can be the ideal solution to maintaining a senior's quality of life while fulfilling their healthcare needs. Jenna Anderson is the director of mar- keting and sales for SALMON Health and Retirement, based in Milford. Transitioning to a senior living community By Jenna Anderson It is completely normal for many emotions to follow the decision to move to a long-term care community, including relief, guilt, sadness, and happiness. H

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