7 Ways to Help Mom Settle In When She Says She Wants to Come Home

After a move into an assisted living community, it’s common for Mom to say she wants to come home. Here’s how to help her settle in. Your MoveMyMom Advisor can help with every step, and our help is always at no cost to families.

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  1. Listen. Acknowledge her feelings.
  2. Bring familiar things. Photos, a quilt, or her favorite chair can make the room feel like hers.
  3. Get to know staff. Ask them for help.
  4. Encourage activities. Even one a week can help her meet people.
  5. Visit regularly. Short, regular visits are often easier on her than long ones.
  6. Find a friend. Ask staff to introduce Mom to someone.
  7. Give it time. Adjustment can take weeks or months.

Why "I Want to Go Home" Is So Common

For many Moms, “home” isn’t really the house. It’s the feeling of being in charge of her own day, surrounded by familiar things and people. When she says she wants to go home, she may be saying she feels lost, bored, or scared. Answering the feeling (“It’s a lot of change, isn’t it?”) usually works better than arguing about the house.

Small Things That Help

  • Keep her routines. If she always had coffee and the paper at 7, ask staff to help keep that going.
  • Label drawers and cabinets so she can find things without asking.
  • Bring her hobbies. Knitting, puzzles, gardening tools, music. Familiar activities give her something to do with her hands.
  • Set up a phone schedule. A predictable call every evening can ease worry on both ends.
  • Get her a “job.” Some communities welcome residents who help set tables, greet visitors, or water plants.

When to Ask for More Help

If weeks go by and Mom is still withdrawn, not eating, or more confused, talk with the community’s nurse and her doctor. Sometimes a medication change, a hearing aid adjustment, or treatment for depression helps. If memory loss is part of the picture, ask whether a memory care setting would be calmer for her.

Get Help

If you’re still setting up her apartment, a senior move manager can help Mom choose the familiar things that matter most. Your MoveMyMom Advisor is here if you need us.

Frequently Asked Questions

It varies. Often a few weeks to a few months.

Talk with staff first. A visit back can be hard early on, so ask how Mom is settling in before you plan one.

Talk With Your MoveMyMom Advisor Today

Mom’s next chapter can start with one phone call. Get started here or call 877-575-9900 today.