“What day is my favorite on the job?
That’s an easy question. I work for Silver Age Referrals. I help families find the best assisted living communities, memory care and adult family homes that fit their budget, their desired location, and of course, the level of care their loved one needs.
I have two favorite days: the day that culminates my work with the family to find a great home for their loved one. That’s move-in day. My other favorite day is the day I visit that same new resident in their new digs. They have been there a week or so and are often in the process of settling in. My job that day is to bring them a move-in gift: usually flowers, a potted plant or chocolates.
The reasons elders move to a new community vary. Often they’re no longer safe at home due to falls or rising care needs. So they move to an adult family home or assisted living community. Or they’re living in an assisted living community but their dementia is advancing and they need more caregivers who have special dementia training. It’s called memory care.
Take Anne. I saw her in the room her family had decorated for her. Pointing to familiar pictures, an afghan, a plant, and more, she was all smiles. We took the elevator down to the first floor where we strolled to the garden area and walking path. I helped her name some of the flowers. Marigolds, zinnias, roses. That made her happy.
It’s amazing how a good situation can calm anxiety and make elders feel at home.
These are two of my favorite days.
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