Moving into a senior living community opens an exciting new chapter in life. However, like any significant transition, it also comes with a mix of emotions and challenges.
At Presbyterian Senior Living, we understand that relocating to a new home involves more than just moving furniture. It's about creating a sense of belonging in a new environment. That's why we've developed support systems to ensure new residents feel welcomed, comfortable, and engaged from day one.
Preparing for the Move to Senior Living
The journey to PSL begins well before moving day. Our admissions and move-in coordinators work one-on-one with incoming residents to create personalized transition plans tailored to individual needs and concerns.
Downsizing after decades in a family home can feel overwhelming. Our move-in coordinators also help coordinate logistics, connect residents with trusted moving companies and develop detailed floor plans.
At Cathedral Village, the move-in coordinator works with incoming residents to customize their apartments. She also provides guidance on what they should bring to their new home. One step in this process is to help incoming residents catalog current furniture. Once they know what they want to bring to their new home, she helps them create an accessible floor plan.
All this ensures furniture and cherished belongings fit seamlessly into new living spaces. This proactive planning helps transform what could be a stressful experience into an organized, manageable process.
In addition, PSL team members understand the local market and may offer trusted resources including professional organizing organizations or recommendations for estate sale services. Each step is designed to ease the initial transition.
A Warm Welcome: First Days at PSL
Making Moving Day Easier
Moving Day can be stressful, but moving into senior living doesn't have to be! Our teams are on-site to help. From Welcome Packages filled with handy home items to starter groceries, each community has a system to make moving day as easy as possible. Worried about meals? No problem! Lunch can be provided for your moving team. Need to hang pictures? We offer move-in maintenance services to handle these chores. And these are just a few of the first steps to make the start of your next chapter easier.
Meeting the Community
Once upacked and ready to explore, new residents are greeted with a thoughtfully designed orientation program. Rather than overwhelming newcomers with information, welcome activities are spread across the first few weeks. This allows time to settle in and absorb new surroundings.
Our resident ambassador programs pair newcomers with established community members who share similar interests or backgrounds. At Westminster Village, in Dover, DE., the Hospitality Committee has developed a Buddy System. This ensures each new resident has a resource during the first weeks of living in the community. These volunteer mentors provide insider perspectives, introduce new residents to potential friends, and offer companionship. They help build connections during those crucial first weeks when it matters most.
In addition, each new resident receives a personalized tour highlighting frequently used amenities and common areas. Our team takes care to point out everything from mailbox locations to the best spots for morning coffee. Each step is to help new residents navigate their surroundings with confidence.
Engaging in Community Life
At PSL, we believe active engagement is key to thriving in retirement. New residents receive a comprehensive calendar of events and activities. Team members help identify programs aligned with personal interests and abilities.
"There are so many activities that my calendar is always full of stuff to do," says Jeanne, a resident at Westminster Village.
Mary, a resident at Glen Meadows, Glen Arm, MD, had similar feelings, "The abundance of activities and outings offered have made it easy to make new friends,"
On-site amenities enhance daily life. Fitness centers offer specialized exercise programs. Multiple dining venues provide nutritious and delicious meal options, and cultural programs bringing enrichment opportunities directly to residents. Transportation services ensure that community engagement extends beyond our campus, with regular outings to local attractions, shopping, and cultural events.
Personalized Support for a Smooth Adjustment
We recognize that each resident's adjustment timeline is unique. Our team remains attentive and available. They check in regularly with new community members to address questions or concerns that arise after move-in day.
Our wellness team provides health assessments and personalized wellness plans. These plans ensure residents have access to appropriate services as needs evolve. From fitness classes to preventative health screenings, these resources support physical wellbeing during the transition period and beyond.
Though we actively encourage participation in community activities, we also respect individual preferences and adjustment styles. Some residents dive enthusiastically into social calendars, while others prefer a more gradual approach. Both paths receive equal support and understanding from our team.
A New Beginning with Your Move into Senior Living
"Everyone has made me feel welcome and it has become my home quicky and easily," shares Norma, a resident at St. Andrew's Village, Indiana, PA.
Kristie, a resident a Ware Presbyterian Village, agrees, " When we moved here, we of course wanted to make friends. We found that everybody is very friendly and interesting.
"Moving here was the best decision we could have made," she added.
Stories like Norma's and Kristi's remind us that while transitions can be challenging, they also open doors to new experiences, relationships, and possibilities. At Presbyterian Senior Living, we're committed to ensuring your transition isn't just smooth. We're committed to it being the beginning of a fulfilling new chapter.
Ready to learn more about joining our community? Schedule a personal visit or speak with a PSL team member today to discover how we can support your journey to senior living.
