Family Dynamics and How It Can Impact a Decision About Assisted Living

May 25, 2016 by ·

Assisted Living in Mobile AL

Family dynamics can have a powerful influence on many decisions families make. When it comes to assisted living as an option for an elderly loved one, those family dynamics can affect what the Assisted-Living-in-Mobile-ALsenior thinks, the decision he or she makes, and how readily they’re willing to even discuss the prospect of making a move.

Some families have a tendency to rely on one individual to make most decisions for them. The strong personalities can be overbearing at times, even though they have the best interest of their family at heart.

In this type of situation, when a senior may be struggling with some of their own basic care at home or has been living alone for many years and it’s starting to take a toll on them, that strong personality could step in and recommend assisted living as a viable option.

In this type of situation, the senior may have questions.

If those questions go unanswered or the senior is trying to find every excuse not to even consider this option, the stronger personality will usually win out in the long run. That’s because he or she may have a tendency to not listen to those questions, comments, or concerns.

Communication is a two-way street and the senior has every right to determine not only their living situation, but the course of their care into the future. It’s important for every family member to step back, have a discussion as open and honest as possible, and not try to force somebody to make this type of decision.

Another family dynamic that can influence decisions about long-term care can involve the typical “guilt trip.”

In this type of family situation, an individual will try and make somebody else feel guilty if they don’t go along with their opinion or determination. It’s often not a conscious thing that happens, but something that develops over time.

If an adult child is making their elderly parents feel guilty because they keep stopping by to help with various things around the house and simply feel overwhelmed, that can certainly influence a decision with regard to assisted living and other options.

How to make the best decision with regard to assisted living.

The best thing any family can do is to be supportive of their elderly loved one, no matter what decision they make. Gathering as much information about a specific assisted living facility or other facilities in the area, including cost, amenities, activities, and overall impression of the facility itself can give the senior the best foundation upon which to make a great choice.

What it all comes down to is that as long as the senior makes that decision for himself or herself, they will be completely thrilled with their choice for moving into assisted living.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Mobile, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

 

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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