Addressing Fears of the Unknown with Assisted Living

April 28, 2023 by ·
Senior Care Fears: Assisted Living Citronelle AL

Senior Care Fears: Assisted Living Citronelle AL

Right now, the baby boomer generation is retiring in the United States. That means seniors 65 and over are soon going to comprise about 20 percent of the entire US population. That would be the highest concentration of seniors in the nation’s history.

It’s going to place an incredible amount of pressure on the healthcare industry as well as elder care services. Basic supply and demand economics stipulates that when supply is down and demand increases, prices will also rise. That means elder care is likely going to become more expensive as more people reach that retirement age, too.

Yet, at the same time, about 70 percent of seniors in their 70s have or will soon require some type of long-term care. Assisted living is a great option for seniors to consider, especially since quality facilities focus on maximizing quality of life and helping elderly men and women stay active.

Still, too many seniors avoid various elder care topics, like assisted living. There could be many reasons, including a number of misconceptions. However, fear of the unknown is one of the key reasons why so many never even consider assisted living for themselves or their loved ones.

What is This Fear?

When somebody isn’t sure what the future holds for them, they might be afraid to take a bold step, especially in the dark. For an aging person who may be dealing with physical limitations, health issues, or other challenges, life is already scary enough.

The thought of struggling just to get out of bed in the middle of the night to use the bathroom can keep some seniors holding on too long, hoping they can wait until morning when help arrives. Or when their spouse wakes up.

For somebody who doesn’t have any direct experience with assisted living, whose parents never used it, whose friends have not used it, they don’t have a clue what it entails. Giving up your home, your autonomy and independence can be a frightening concept.

This is often what leads people to simply shut down conversations from loved ones when they bring up topics of elder care, including assisted living.

How Can You Help Somebody Overcome Their Fear?

Providing information is one of the best ways to overcome doubt and fear. Because most people have misconceptions about what assisted living is and what it does, they don’t look into it further.

If an elderly person went on a tour, got to see the facility, the activities, meet some of the residents, and even speak to administrators and other staff there to ask whatever questions they have, that goes a long way toward dispelling fear.

Another way is to encourage somebody to spend a brief amount of time at an assisted living facility that has the availability. Respite care can be for overnight stays, a few days a week, or a week or two at a time. At some facilities, it could be for a month or two.

These strategies can help seniors realize the value assisted living offers and that can go a long way toward eliminating fear of the unknown.

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living, Assisted Living in 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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