Proximity of Assisted Living May be a Topic to Discuss with Dad

January 12, 2016 by ·

Assisted Living in Theodore AL

Bringing up the topic of assisted living may seem like a difficult thing to do, but when he begins to realize the benefits and value of considering this senior care option, you two might begin looking Assisted-Living-Theodore-ALat various facilities in the area. Location is sometimes a difficult thing to determine:  Should he stay close to where he’s been living for many years? Or should he move closer to you and the rest of your family?

This is an important topic to discuss among family, especially for those who don’t live relatively close to their aging loved ones. Your father may very well want to remain within his own community and be close to his friends. You might want him to move closer to you so you can keep an eye on him, visit with him, and more.

What is most important?

While it’s certainly tempting to impose one’s will on their elderly loved one, especially if your father is widowed and has been living alone for a long time, it’s essential that you listen to what he has to say and what he wants.

Assisted living communities can provide the support and services he would need in order to stay safe and get the most enjoyment out of life. Having him move several hundred miles away from the home he’s known for many years could leave him in an uncomfortable situation.

Many family members have the best intentions of visiting their loved ones once they move into an assisted living facility, but life can be unpredictable. Work, family responsibilities, and other obligations can get in the way of best intentions.

Yes, your father’s physical capabilities and maybe even his health are in decline and that can make you begin thinking about the limited time you have left to spend with him. Yet, at the same time, it’s important to understand the value of a high quality of life.

When you begin discussing different facilities, and if your father is adamant about staying as close to where he’s lived for a long time, it’s time to listen and help him research and find the ideal place where he will be most comfortable. You may not be able to visit as often as you’d like, but when he’s happy, that’s the most important factor of all.

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.

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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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