Making the Transition to Assisted Living Smoother

July 5, 2017 by ·

Moving into an assisted living facility may not be what an elderly person always dreamed about. This may, in fact, be

Assisted Living in Daphne AL: Making a Smooth Transition

Assisted Living in Daphne AL: Making a Smooth Transition

one of the last things they want to consider, but after they started to contemplate their own limitations, the struggle their loved ones were facing just helping them out, and what the future could hold, they realized this was actually a beneficial move.

Still, the transition can be difficult.

People who have lived in the same place for many years will acquire more and more items. It could be furniture, kitchen utensils, picture frames, books, and other tokens and mementos. To let go some of these things, they may pack them away in a box or give them to friends and family, and it’s not always easy.

This is all part of the transition, though.

So, how do we make this transition a bit smoother? We offer the kind of support that elderly person requires at the moment. In other words, we don’t sit there and dictate what they should think, what they should feel, or what they should actually do. Instead, we listen to what they have to say, acknowledge their concerns and fears, and respect that.

Then, we can offer nudges and reminders.

Get a clear understanding of what this senior will be able to bring with him or her to this new assisted living facility. If they can bring a number of pictures and frames, that’s great. If they are allowed to bring one or two pieces of their favorite furniture, find out exactly what it is.

It could be the recliner in the living room that their spouse used to sit in every day after work for decades. It might look horrible, but that could be just what they need to feel comfortable in this new living situation.

They might be allowed to put picture frames on the walls. They may be able to take their own TV. Some facilities will have certain items already in place in these rooms, so it’s important to understand what’s acceptable and what will have to be left behind, put in storage, or given away.

Once you have a clear understanding of what’s acceptable, begin to work through this transition slowly, or at least as slow as possible, and that will help them feel more empowered, like they really do have control over their life still, which they do and certainly should.

If you or an aging loved one are considering assisted living in Daphne, 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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