Some Adult Children May Struggle to Accept an Aging Parent Moving into Assisted Living, but It’s Often the Better Option

September 30, 2019 by ·

Maria and Ron had a difficult time accepting that their mother was approaching the end of her life. When their father passed away three years ago, it was a difficult time for everyone involved, especially their mother Luisa.

They were a close-knit family growing up and both Ron and Maria remained in the same town they grew up in. It was nice to be able to connect, have family dinners together, and see each other as often as they wanted, and when their father passed, they appreciated their ability to be there and support their mother through that difficult transition.

During the past six months, though, their mother was dealing with some serious health issues. It became far more challenging for her to just get through each day in that big house all alone.

 

Luisa was the one who talked about assisted living first.

Assisted Living Chickasaw, AL:Accept an Aging Parent Moving into Assisted Living

While some families may broach the topic with an aging loved one, it was their mother who talked about assisted living first. She had a few friends in a local assisted living facility and knew about the activities and other benefits it offered.
Maria had always assumed that if and when that time came when her mother could no longer take care of herself safely in that house, she would just move in with her. Ron kind of assumed the same thing, though it was not something any of them openly talked about.

 

When Luisa moved in, she was excited.
She was excited about the prospect of “starting over,” as she put it. She wanted a fresh start, somewhere that she didn’t have to worry about cleaning, cooking, taking out the garbage, and running all sorts of errands.

She also was excited to reconnect with friends, make new acquaintances, and pursue various activities. At this particular assisted living facility, they offered arts and crafts, music, and other activities residents could participate in if they wanted to.

And Luisa wanted to, most definitely. Yet, both Maria and Ron had a difficult time with this new situation. They thought their mother would be anxious to get home, feeling locked up, so they visited her often.

It took a while, but they eventually realized their mother truly wanted this and the more they learned about assisted living, the more they understood why. There was so much to do, so many benefits, helpful staff, activities, entertainment, a great dining facility, and the ability to go for walks and get transportation to local stores, appointments, and much more.

She wasn’t alone anymore and when they realized the benefits of this particular assisted living facility, they were happy to support her.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Chickasaw 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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