Assisted Living Factors to Consider Other Than Amenities

November 17, 2023 by ·
Assisted Living Daphne AL

Assisted Living Daphne AL

Searching for elder care can be a long process. Assisted living remains one of the best to consider for many reasons. A lot of Americans have the wrong idea about what assisted living is and what it offers. Some seniors will get so focused on the feeling of isolation, loneliness, and the thought of losing independence in their life that they will completely shut off conversations about assisted living.

Family members and friends may focus on the wrong things, or, at least, not all the right things when it comes to elder care options. For example, adult children, friends, or even siblings of somebody who would benefit from assisted living may look at the amenities only. Assisted living is about much more than just amenities. Sure, amenities are wonderful, but what are the ‘right’ ones to focus on? Is it all about activity and staying busy? Is it about comfort and luxury? Let’s look at a few important amenities that seniors and their loved ones should think about and consider in assisted living for the future.

Comfort

Should a place where you lay your head be comfortable? Absolutely. Without question, comfort is important. Even if an aging senior says that comfort isn’t the most important thing to them, it is still going to matter. People spend more time in their bedrooms than almost any other room in their entire life. Yes, they are sleeping most of the time, but that should be a place of comfort and security.

What else does the assisted living community offer as far as comfort is concerned? Are the lounge areas clean? Is the seating decent? Is it quiet? These are just some questions to focus on when it comes to comfort.

Fellowship

What are the residents like at this assisted living community? Are they kind? Do they reach out and connect with others? Do they support one another? We are social creatures by nature, which means this should be an important aspect of any living situation for people of all ages, especially seniors who may be feeling more isolated and alone lately.

Staff Support

How supportive are staff members? Do they have a lot of turnover? Are many of the staff members new or relatively new? Why is that, if that’s the case? When a senior needs help, are there enough staff members to offer assistance? What happens if many residents require assistance at the same time?

These are a few questions you might consider asking if you take a tour of a local assisted living community.

Take a Tour

During the pandemic, many assisted living communities either shut down tours or switched to virtual tours. Some may still offer only virtual tours. Push to get an in person tour, if you can.
If you can’t, make sure you ask plenty of questions about their dining options, nutritional value of their menus, the kind of residents they have, what the rooms are like, and much more.

Remember, too, that the ‘right’ assisted living community should be a place where quality of life improves and the senior is comfortable and happy.

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living, Assisted Living Benefits, Assisted Living Daphne 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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