One Woman’s Story: The Surprise of Assisted Living near Satsuma, AL

July 21, 2014 by ·

I had been living on my own for more than 65 years. I left home in a fit when I was 16, enlisted in the Army during the tail end of World War II, and never looked back. I married at 23, bought my first home at 25, and was self sufficient through all of those years. When my daughter talked about assisted living for me as an option, I didn’t want to hear it.Assisted Living Satsuma AL

I knew that I was getting older. By the time you pass 80, you know that the best years of your life are behind you and that certain parts of your body that once worked so well wouldn’t continue to work for much longer. My balance was shot, my strength was waning, and my concentration, or focus was also on the way out the door. I could actually picture those things leaving, waving goodbye as they headed off for greener pastures.

And here I remained; alone in a house I’d been in for more than thirty years. I didn’t want to leave and had been relying on a caregiver for some time. Still, my daughter believed that I would be happier, more comfortable, and safer at an assisted livingfacility. She talked about memory care assisted living and how the people there would be able to help me find exercises for my brain that would help me focus, remember things better, and be more comfortable.

After several months of prodding and urging me to consider it, I finally agreed and moved in about a month ago. I really don’t know how long I’ve been here, but the calendar says four weeks and it only feels like two. Tops.

I made new friends right away and found a few people that I had known through the years. I thought that the activities would be knitting or watching old movies, I had no clue. They’re actually quite enjoyable and plenty of things to do. The staff members are friendly and they actually take the time to listen to me, which was something I was certain wouldn’t happen.

Ultimately, I never would have thought in a million years that assisted living could actually be an enjoyable arrangement. I don’t know if things have changed in recent years or if it was always like this, but I can honestly say that I have been not only pleasantly surprised, but thrilled. I’m grateful for my daughter mentioning this to me.

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.

 

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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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