Why Winter Is an Ideal Time to Move to Assisted Living

January 19, 2023 by ·

While it may be true that most people would not want to consider assisted living, mostly because they are able to maintain their own quality of life, are safe, and are quite active, that’s not always the case, especially as we get older. By the time somebody is 60, 65, or 70, they may be facing increased health challenges, risk factors, and other issues that make it difficult to hold onto that same quality of life as they get older.

Assisted living is the best elder care option to choose for many reasons. Some of those reasons include companionship. Being surrounded by other men and women your own age, often who share common interests is a great way to spend life.

Another reason why assisted living is the best elder care option for seniors is because of the support offered. Experienced, qualified staff can help elderly residents with a variety of tasks whenever they need it. But not everyone needs assistance in the night, during the day, or even on a regular basis. Some people just need a little help every once in a while. That’s what you get from assisted living.

Now, as far as when to move into assisted living, the most obvious answer is when you are ready. Many family members make the mistake of trying to force an aging parent, grandparent, spouse, or other loved one into some long-term care facility before he or she is ready.

They do this out of love (in most cases). They want this person to be surrounded by experienced staff and support systems while also maintaining a high quality of life, however that’s defined. Unfortunately, too often in this push to encourage somebody to choose assisted living or another elder care option, they run right over the autonomy and independence of that senior.

When an elderly person has decided assisted living is for them, when they weigh the facts, understand their challenges, and what the future holds, they’re ready. And, while assisted living can be great anytime of the year, moving during winter is optimal for many reasons. Let’s look at a few.

 

1. It helps offset the cost of heating.

Assisted Living Satsuma, AL: Winter and Assisted Living

Assisted Living Satsuma, AL: Winter and Assisted Living

With rising oil and natural gas prices, as well as inflation, heating your home this winter is going to be more challenging, and costly. While that’s also the case for a quality assisted living community, the cost of heating is spread around among the residents, rather than one person taking the brunt of the increased expenses. 

Plus, when a senior has a large home, it’s going to be that much more expensive to heat it this winter.

 

2. No need to worry about a failing heating system.

Whatever furnace or other heating system the elderly person has in their home, they won’t have to worry about maintaining it or it breaking down at the worst time this winter.

At a quality assisted living facility, the heating system will be maintained regularly and HVAC staff will be on standby should something bad happen at the worst time.

 

3. There’s more to do and enjoy.

When the weather is bad, the snow is flying, the cold air is biting, there’s always something fun or even relaxing to do at assisted living. That’s why winter is the best time to choose this elder care option.

If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to an Assisted Living in Satsuma, 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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