Now You KNOW Something Has to Change, but What’s the Next Step in Convincing Your Aging Father Assisted Living Is the Best Choice?

July 9, 2019 by ·

It’s frustrating. Of that, there is little doubt. Your elderly father has been living alone for quite some time and even though he keeps saying “I’m fine,” he calls on you for help more and more frequently. That’s often what happens when people advancing years and their physical capabilities don’t keep up with their desires to do those very things, they used to take for granted. You can’t keep doing this, putting yourself out, stressing about every little thing, and scraping a few hours together every couple of days to stop by and help them with all these tasks, and even though you know assisted living would be the best option, how can you convince him of that?

It’s easy to recognize the signs that something must change.

Assisted Living Theodore, AL: Talking About Assisted Living

However, and perhaps unfortunately, recognizing signs is not enough. We must take steps, but we also must take the right steps. Here are a few steps you might want to consider taking with your elderly father (or mother, spouse, friend, neighbor, or somebody else you care about) to help them see that assisted living might very well be the best choice for them right now.

Step #1: Learn more about it.
How much do you really know about assisted living? Most people have numerous misconceptions about this elder care option. Sadly, they associated very similarly to nursing home care, even though the two are completely different. The more you learn about it, the easier it will be for you to dispel your father’s misconceptions, too.

Step #2: Ask questions.
You need to ask your father specific questions. When you do, and you listen (Step #4), you will help empower him with this important and potentially life altering decision.

Find out what things are most important to him. Without being too direct, help him admit his own fears, concerns, and frustrations. When he states them openly, out in the open, it becomes easier to ask for help.

Step #3: Understand what he may be missing out on.
Does he spend quality time with friends? Is he able to go out to the stores, to the park, or other places of interest that are still important to him? If not, he’s probably missing out on a lot, even though it’s easy to overlook these things just struggling to make sure he remains safe.

Step #4: Listen.
Don’t just try to tell him what he should be thinking, feeling, or doing; listen to his words, his concerns, his doubts, etc. When you do, he will feel as though you truly care about his opinion, which you do, and that will make it much easier for him to make the right decision for his health, safety, and quality of life, which is often assisted living.

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Theodore AL, Something Has to Change · 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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