Stretching, Going for a Walk, and Enjoying the Fresh Air: Is It Possible for Seniors at Assisted Living to Do This Yet?

April 22, 2021 by ·

It’s been a long year so far. Very few people can deny that. With the global pandemic commonly referred to as coronavirus shutting down many states across this great land, it has impacted families, including seniors. For those at assisted living, being able to get out, walk around the mall, go to parks, and other activities many seniors enjoy is something that may have been set aside.

First and foremost, it’s all about the safety and health of those living at these senior care facilities. In the northern portions of the country, winter has held on quite a bit longer than many of us would like.

While that has made it less appealing to get outside and enjoy the nice weather during March and April, we are now moving into May and that means spring-like temperatures are moving in. Also, that means there will be an increasing temptation for people to get outside, enjoy the warmer air, and get some exercise.

This is true for seniors at assisted living as well.

Assisted Living Chickasaw, AL: Spring at Assisted Living

May is Clean Air Month and it’s a great reminder of the benefits fresh air can have for people of all ages, including seniors. So, what can be done this year for aging men and women — possibly your elderly mother or father, a sibling, spouse, grandparents, etc. — if they are in a “lockdown” procedure at the facility?

Find out what the facility is doing to support seniors who want exercise and fresh air.

Every assisted living facility is different, so it’s important not to equate what one is doing with what others are considering. Most of the administrators at these facilities understand the importance and value of exercise and fresh air.

As such, they may have grounds for elderly residents to walk along that are maintained, safe, and a bit isolated.

If these areas are hotbeds of activity for people of all ages, including younger adults and children, then it may not be as safe for aging men and women at assisted living to participate in outdoor activities at this time.

The goal is safety and health.

Remember, these are difficult circumstances for everyone. No one has the upper hand on figuring out the right thing to do to protect people and give them the opportunities to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

The focus of any assisted living community should be first and foremost the safety and health of its residents. If that cannot be maintained well by allowing them to walk around outside, they may be looking at other options. Right now, though, times are challenging so patience is crucial.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Chickasaw, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

Filed Under: Senior Safety · 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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