How Would You Describe an Assisted Living Facility to Your Senior Loved One? Learn the Truth.

December 9, 2014 by ·

3 Ways Assisted Living near Saraland, AL is Not Like it is In the Movies

No matter what your opinion is about various things depicted in the movies, one thing can often be agreed upon and that is that many Hollywood movies take creative license when describing various things in life. One of these things happens to be assisted living.Assisted Living Saraland AL

Depending on the type of movie you’re talking about, whether it’s a drama, a comedy, or even an action adventure film, an assisted living facility will often be used (when it is called for in the script) to portray some sort of conflict or drama.

One of the easiest ways for screenwriters to create conflict is to create an environment that is troublesome to the viewer. It may be lazy writing, but the more that people see depictions of assisted living facilities that are horrible places to live, the more the audience begins to believe that is based on fact.

Below are three ways that assisted living facilities are not as they are described in some movies. Don’t mistake this for meaning that all movies portray them in the wrong light. Some actually do get it right.

  1. Dirty, unkempt, and old. In some movies you will see an assisted living facility that looks as though no one ever cleans up around it. There may be garbage in the halls, stains on the walls, and the cafeteria or kitchen area is a nightmare. Modern assisted living facilities have very high standards and focus on cleanliness is a top priority.

Many states have strict regulations as well and oversee the cleanliness of these facilities to ensure that residents are safe and healthy.

  1. Like a nursing home facility from 100 years ago. Nursing homes through much of the 20th century were understaffed and overpopulated. This placed an enormous burden on those working in these facilities to try and provide the optimal level of care, but it normally fell far short.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are not related in any way except for the fact that they both care for individuals in need. Today’s assisted living facility is more comparable to an upscale hotel or apartment living situation. The “cafeteria” is usually styled more like an actual restaurant. Many facilities have exercise rooms, activity centers, and other resources that residents can use.

  1. Staff who get a thrill out of abusing the residents. For anyone who has watched a comedy in which some characters lived or worked in an assisted living facility, they might have seen staff being abusive to the residents. While this may be viewed as comedic to some writers, the reality is that the vast majority of people working in these facilities have true compassion for the residents who live there.

These staff members go out of their way to ensure that the residents have everything they need and the best quality care possible.

If you want to know the true state of assisted living today, make an appointment and visit a facility near you. If you fell for the Hollywood hype, you’ll probably be more than pleasantly surprised.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living near Saraland,  AL 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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