Tips for the Elderly on Adjusting to Assisted Living

For many elderly people adjusting into an assisted living environment can be emotionally difficult. To help further understand what type of impact transitioning into assisted living can have on someone that is elderly and for tips on adjusting to assisted living, I have interviewed Psychologist Deborah L. Stote, Ph.D.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I received my Ph.D. in psychology from UCLA, where I focused on the neurobiology of learning and behavior. I have always been interested in interpreting problems in human behavior relative to the brain and its capacity for dysfunction. Whether it's problems with anxiety, substance dependence, traumatic brain injury , depression, or cognitive disruption associated with aging--I always begin my diagnoses and treatment plans by considering potential neurological problems."

What type of impact can transitioning into assisted living have on an elderly person?
"Older adults who are moving from their home into assisted living typically encounter varying degrees of adjustment disorder , with symptoms that include social withdrawal and isolation, increased negativity, emotional lability , headaches, stomach aches, decreased appetite, and sleep disturbance . Their adjustment disorder is typically related to the significant loss they are experiencing. These folks are becoming less independent, most of their possessions are being distributed or sold to scale down for a smaller living space, and they are leaving their private residence for a dwelling they share with many people, most of whom are strangers. They may have even moved out of the town or city where they lived for many years, leaving behind their friends, religious organization, and business associates. Additionally, many older adults are moving to assisted living because there has been a sudden or significant decline in their physical health or mental capacity. Significant changes such as these are ultimately very stressful, and prolonged stress can lead to diminished immune response, memory dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. These psychological issues need to be addressed clinically to maximize the quality of life for those entering assisted living."

What are some tips for the elderly on adjusting to assisted living?
"The most common and convenient method of aiding adjustment to assisted living is incorporating personal items into the new living space. Older adults should be encouraged to participate in selecting items such as family portraits, small pieces of furniture from the most recent home, or family heirlooms, and then to incorporate them into their new living space. Such active participation in their life decisions diminishes feelings of loss of control and helplessness. Of course, reliable visits from family and friends, frequent phone calls, and regular outings into the community (if possible) all ease distress and promote adjustment. Essentially, people moving into assisted living need positive reassurance that they are moving into a new chapter of their lives, rather than ending the life they have always known. This type of reframing goes a long way in normalizing a fairly 'abnormal' state of affairs, particularly in the early stages of such a major transition."

What type of professional help is available for an elderly person who is having a difficult time adjusting to assisted living?
"Individuals in assisted living have access to several types of resources to help them deal with adjustment disorders . The most convenient are provided by mental health care and rehabilitation professionals that work within the facility. On-site psychologists, social workers, physical, speech, and rehabilitation therapists are readily available to provide services to individuals who find themselves struggling with this new chapter in their lives. Alternatively, residents of assisted living routinely travel off campus to see their health care providers and thus have access to the same mental health resources as folks living 'on the outside.' Finally, many assisted living facilities rely on their wonderful activities staff to provide fun, nurturing support, and interesting intellectual challenges that invite adjustment to a new community and lifestyle."

Thank you Dr. Stote for doing the interview on tips for the elderly on adjusting to assisted living. For more information on Dr. Stote or her work you can check out her website at http://deborahstotephd.com .

Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8117087/self_esteem_tips_for_elderly_women.html?cat=5">Self Esteem Tips for Elderly Women

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/359877/what_long_term_care_is_appropriate.html?cat=72">What Long Term Care is Appropriate for Your Elderly Loved One?

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6130114/taking_care_of_aging_parents_challenges.html?cat=5">Taking Care of Aging Parents