Finding a Good Assisted Living Home for an Aging Parent Should Include Them in the Process

April 24, 2018 by ·

Searching out the perfect ‘facility’ for an elderly parent may seem like a daunting task, especially for adult children who have never done this before, but it’s far too easy to leave that senior out of the process. Assisted living is a wonderful option for people who have difficulty taking care of themselves or who simply no longer wish to be responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance (which can include cleaning) of a house or apartment.

Assisted Living in Pascagoula AL: Including Your Parent in the Search

Assisted Living in Pascagoula AL: Including Your Parent in the Search

The search should always include the senior.

Looking into assisted living should always include the elderly person in the process. Not only should they have the final say in whether or not they actually move into one of these facilities, they should also have a great deal of input regarding what type of facility, the types of activities that may be available, and even the people who are already residents there.

What if the senior has mobility issues?

If this aging parent has a difficult time getting around, they probably rely on a walker or cane. If they are relying on a wheelchair, that can complicate things a bit more, especially if their adult children or other family members don’t have adequate transportation that can get this wheelchair, and the senior, around town safely and effectively.

There are plenty of public transportation options in many regions across the country that can provide an opportunity for families to do this type of search together. If mobility is the key problem, that should not leave the senior out of the process.

If the elderly person is bedridden, what happens then?

Depending on the facility people look into, assisted living may not be the most viable option to consider. Assisted living is not the same as a nursing home and for an elderly person who may be bedridden, unable to get out of bed or move about on their own, this might not be the best option to consider. It may not be practical and certain facilities may not be accommodating to that type of need.

Ultimately, if a senior is mobile, even if they need assistance, they should always be able to go on a tour, visit the facility, and determine whether this is one they would want to consider living in for their future. The moment family and friends leave the elderly parent out of the process, that’s the moment problems begin to arise. Finding a great assisted living home should always begin with the senior himself or herself involved in the process.

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Pascagoula AL · Tagged:
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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