Why December & The Holidays Is The Best Time To Move To Assisted Living

Perhaps you have been through a lot this year? …

Or you feel that you have seen it all and life has lost its zest? …

I know exactly how you feel.

There we were bringing in the New Year with the promise of better health and happier times ahead. Instead, however of fulfilling its promise, the year turned into a nightmare just as January had rolled in. Now my dad lies in a hospice bed waiting for the great physician to call him home.

The answer is facing life head on and being open to new adventurous and change without change we would never have things like blue butterflies-my favorite! I am certain that you have heard it be said that “the first childhood is mandatory, but the second one is up to you.”

No one ever said life was going to be easy but that’s no reason to walk around unhappy and defeated. You too might have had some unexpected curve balls thrown your way this year and yes, perhaps, you had to move into a living assisted facility or nursing home because you lost your spouse or loved one?

Or because you no longer can drive?

Or simply because your children live too far away to help you with your needs?

However, none of these are a cause to be disappointed especially as we near the holidays – many people especially those of us who are of a certain age (which I like to refer to as second youth) ) tend to become so nostalgic, depressed, sad and stressed around the holidays to the point of making ourselves literary sick. We drive our own blood pressures and blood sugars up while increasing the risk of developing a stroke and heart attack during what is supposed to be the most peaceful and happiest time of the year- Thanksgiving/Christmas!

However, these holidays I want all of you to think about the positive aspects of life. This will not only keep you out of the ICU and having toDecember is the best month to move into assisted living see someone like me for care but being positive nurtures hope and inner dreams.

Remember, you have made it this far, you must be doing something right! Embrace your new surroundings, make new friends.

But, If you are just now having to move to an assisted living or nursing home, the holidays are actually a good time to do so.

Since, no one likes to go to or place their loved ones in a facility during the holidays; December is actually the best month to find an opening!

After New Years, a lot of the administrators begin compiling waiting lists to accommodate all the requests that come in. Finding the best nursing home or facility for you or your loved one is one of the most important decisions that you will have to make that will have great impact on the rest of your life. So, make sure that you take your time and research it well and find one that fits your loved ones or your personality.

Ask friends, neighbors, look through consumer reports of nursing home guides, visit the nursing homes or assisted living several times different times a day and at various times of the week. Talk to residents, staff, janitors, administrators, until you feel comfortable you made the right decision. This is the place where you can find a new best friend or a new mate! Perhaps, there is someone in your facility who still drives and would love the company on outings!

Do you Remember, what is like to discover new things?

Go on adventures?

Learn new things?

Even fall in love again?

It is never too late to laugh like you never laughed before. After all laughter is the best medicine it cures all manners of sickness from the soul to the heart. So, this year during the holidays instead of dwelling on the negative focus on the blessings you do have. Invite a friend to share a meal with you or better yet invite someone you don’t know so well. You never know where a new relationship might flourish or lead. Put on some music and dance like nobody’s watching even if all you can move is your toes and fingers!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Copyright © 2014 by Maria De Leon

Article by Dr. Maria De Leon, MD exclusively for Assisted Living Directory