What is Your Interpretation of Assisted Living?

October 6, 2014 by ·

They Do That? Assisted Living, Myths, and Reality near Satsuma, AL

When you hear the term “assisted living,” what do you think about? If you are like far too many Americans, you probably have a number of misconceptions about it. The reason for this is that Hollywood and other places have created the illusion of assisted living being a vile place to live where only cruel, callous individuals work.Assisted Living Satsuma AL

There are a lot of lazy writers in Hollywood who would rather pick on assisted living communities to create tension, drama, or even some kind of warped comedic content. However, the more you begin to learn about this option for elderly individuals, the more you begin to realize that an assisted living facility is not a place where people go to slowly die. It is, in truth, a place were older individuals go to begin living life once again.

The truth of the matter is that as we age, our bodies will change and that will cause us to be able to do less and less physical activities that we used to enjoy. For example, an elderly person who used to enjoy playing basketball to stay in shape will reach a point in his life when that is not possible any longer. When you begin to lose the opportunity to do things that you used to enjoy, it can make you feel depressed and, more seriously, as though the end of your life is at hand.

However, no matter what physical capabilities a person has, or even their mental acuity, there are still so many things and experiences to try. Assisted-living communities have become bastions of hope for tens of thousands of Americans across the country.

Most assisted living facilities are staffed with honorable, compassionate people who truly do want to help the residents. People who live in assisted living are not referred to as patients, but residents. They are independent individuals who can refuse any type of assistance or accept it if they need it. Many apartment situations will have small kitchenettes so that the residents can make their own meals if they prefer. The cafeterias of the past have been replaced by actual restaurants in a number of assisted living facilities. This allows the residents to go down and have dinner with friends, or alone, and sit down at a table and order their meal as though they were at a restaurant.

If you have a loved one whom you believe should seriously consider assisted living, find out exactly what the reality is for the facilities near them. Then you can explain these to them and that will help to dispel the myth that may keep them from seriously considering moving into an assisted living community.

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living Satsuma 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.
Google Verified Author