Seniors Could Be Anxious About a Move to Assisted Living, Even When They’re Excited About It

October 13, 2020 by ·

Can somebody be excited about a move and still feel anxious? Absolutely. Moving is one of the top stressors in life. Yet, millions of people are thoroughly excited about a potential move, whether it’s to a new house, buying their first home, or changing locations. 

For many seniors, assisted living is a wonderful option. For those who recognize its value and really want to make this move, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be stress-free. There can be a lot of anxiety connected to a move like this. 

 

How long has the senior been living in the same place?

Assisted Living Citronelle, AL: Seniors Anxiety and Moving

Maybe this senior isn’t living in the same exact house anymore, but has been in the same neighborhood for years. Still, some elderly men and women have been living in the same place for decades. 

Leaving that behind and going toward something new can certainly cause anxiousness. It’s natural. It’s to be expected. But, it should not be a reason to avoid the move to assisted living. 

 

How can you help a senior feeling anxious about this upcoming move? 

First and foremost, always be supportive. Even if the senior is expressing a potential desire to cancel this move, be supportive of him or her. 

Let them know they’re not alone. Encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling. There may be a lot of emotions going through their mind and they just don’t know how to sort everything out. 

As long as you listen and allow them to talk and don’t try to argue against their opinions, you will likely come to the real reason for this unsettled feeling. 

And, for the most part, it’s simply a matter of the unknown. 

 

Then talk about and remind them of the benefits this assisted living facility will offer. 

You can discuss the fact they will no longer have to worry about cleaning their home. Mention the dining facilities and all the wonderful nutritious options they will have available to them daily. 

Discuss the entertainment, the grounds, especially if there’s an outdoor walk area where they can enjoy the nice weather with others. 

Talk about friends they may have at this facility. The more you talk about the virtues and benefits of assisted living, the more you will remind them of the reasons they chose this in the first place. 

It’s okay that they’re anxious, but they’re also likely excited. Be a good listener and supporter and that can help tremendously. 

 

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

Filed Under: Anxious About a Move to Assisted Living, Assisted Living Citronelle 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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