Exploring a New Home in Assisted Living

June 27, 2017 by ·

It may have taken many months or even years to convince your elderly mother to consider assisted living. She was content where she was, in the home she shared with your father for more than five decades. Maybe you and the rest of your siblings were raised there. Maybe this is the only place she’s really known as an adult.

Assisted Living in Spanish Fort AL: Exploring a New Home

Assisted Living in Spanish Fort AL: Exploring a New Home

However long a senior has been living in their current environment, it doesn’t change the fact that it can be difficult to consider a new situation, including assisted living.

While she may have finally agreed to look into this and ultimately moved in, you’ve discovered she is not exploring very much about this new living environment. She seems to spend most of her time in her room with the door closed.

You want her to explore because you are convinced she will discover many wonderful things about it, including various activities, entertainment, and friendly faces waiting to make her acquaintance, share experiences, play games, and much more.

It’s okay to encourage this.

You may feel guilty because you suddenly feel like you forced your mother into the situation, but she had every right to decide where she lived. Many family members become so concerned about the safety and well-being of their loved ones that they overlook the importance of independence and having the right to decide what they do in the future.

Your mother ultimately decided what she felt was best for her. Sure, you and others in your family may have encouraged her, but this was her decision. Encourage her to get out, take a chance, and explore her environment.

Be patient.

In time, your mother will likely discover some wonderful things going on. It could be her favorite meal being offered in the restaurant. It could be a movie from her younger years she would love to see again, especially on a large screen TV. Whatever it is, eventually your mother will be drawn out to begin exploring on her own.

Understand that qualified and experienced staff can help.

Many of the staff members at quality assisted living facilities understand the challenges elderly residents face, especially when they first move in. The staff members are acutely aware of these challenges and will make every effort to help your mother feel comfortable and safe, which are the key ingredients for people to begin exploring their surroundings, come out of their shells, and enjoy all that assisted living has to offer.

If you or an aging loved one are considering assisted living in Spanish Fort, 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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