It Takes Time to Adjust to a New Living Situation, Including Assisted Living

January 29, 2019 by ·

In most likelihood, almost every adult in this country has moved at least once. They might have moved into their own apartment after leaving their parents’ house, may have gone off to college, and probably have moved several times since. It’s one of the biggest stressors in life. When a person reaches a certain age and, either enthusiastically or grudgingly chooses assisted living, the stress is going to be there again.

Assisted Living in Chickasaw AL: Taking Time to Adjust

Assisted Living in Chickasaw AL: Taking Time to Adjust

Assisted living is a wonderful option.

Just because an aging senior may not be jumping up and down at the thought of assisted living doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best ideas. Also, just because they may be reluctant or don’t appear to be all that enthusiastic doesn’t mean there isn’t some sense of excitement, or adventure brewing inside.

Young families who purchase a house for the first time will certainly be excited about the prospect of finally moving in, but it will still be incredibly stressful. Saying goodbye to the old house or apartment, the memories created there, is not easy for everyone.

The same issues can arise for somebody moving into assisted living.

There could be decades of memories in every corner and closet of a house a person in his or her 70s or 80s has lived most of their adult life. They know their neighbors, have seen them move in and move out, and they’ve grown accustomed to their community.

They might fully realize assisted living is the best option for them, but it may take several weeks or even a couple of months for some people to adjust. That’s not because they don’t want to be happy, but new environments can cause anxiety.

Some seniors may spend more time in their room during the first couple of weeks out of shyness or reservation. They may call their adult children, a sibling, or even close friends and weep over the phone, saying they want nothing more than to just go back where they were most comfortable.

Think about children at summer camp. That homesick feeling can be powerful. However, for the children who are not brought home right away, what usually happens? They make friends. They take part in activities. They have fun. Then, they don’t want to leave.

Everyone is different, so how long it takes one person to make this adjustment could be different than it is for others. Be supportive, encouraging, and help them realize the benefits this assisted living facility does offer.

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Chickasaw 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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