With Fall Around the Corner, Respite Care at Assisted Living Could Make a Wonderful Transition

Many people probably never thought they’d be able to say it, but, “Fall is just around the corner.” After a long, hot, difficult summer, it’s nice to think about cooler autumn air rolling in. Depending on where you live, it could mean changes in the colors, the leaves starting to turn and drop, and those brisk mornings that bring some refreshment.

For some, it can also mean making tough decisions, especially about their future. For an elderly person — whether they live alone, with a spouse of many years, or with other family — the seasons of the year can remind them of that season in their life.

Some people call it late autumn while others consider it to be the winter of life when you reach your 70s, 80s, or 90s. Whatever you might call it, it basically increases the challenges people face in life.

There are physical challenges as well as health issues. A person in their 70s or 80s has already seen plenty of friends and family pass away before them. They are acutely aware that time is running out in their hourglass.

Most people want to enjoy a high quality of life, even if they can’t do all the things they used to do with ease. Somebody in their 80s, for example, is highly unlikely to be out playing basketball, tennis, or other hard physical activities like they might have in their younger years.

Yet, a person their 80s or 90s can still enjoy several activities, depending on their physical abilities and health at the moment.

One way to help an aging senior maximize quality of life is to discuss the best elder care option, which is assisted living.

As we transition over from summer to fall, this is a great time to discuss elder care options for the future, especially assisted living. Why could this make a good transition, for many reasons, but when you’re going to talk about this topic, remember to keep a few things in mind.

 

Get to know what assisted living is like.

Assisted Living Citronelle, AL: Seniors and Fall

Assisted Living Citronelle, AL: Seniors and Fall

Many assisted living communities offer respite care services, which can include overnight stays. Encourage your elderly mother or father or other senior in your life to take advantage of these respite care stays.

They can do it for just a week or even just a few days. They will get to see what it’s like to be there.

 

Find out what around-the-clock care means.

Even though the senior may not need around-the-clock care just yet, it offers a great deal of relief to many elderly men and women. That’s because most of them, by the time they’re 80, have already had at least a few slips or scares at home, especially when they were alone.

 

They can take this transition slow.

They don’t have to move in full time right away. They can find out the availability at a local assisted living facility and perhaps stay for a couple of weeks at a time or even visit there during the days for a few weeks.

Before winter rolls in, being settled into a new home at assisted living often help seniors feel better about the future.

If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to an Assisted Living in Citronelle, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

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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