Yes, Assisted Living’s Respite Care Option CAN Potentially Boost Self-Esteem for Weary Family Caregivers (and Seniors)

February 21, 2022 by ·

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month and as people get older and their physical abilities diminish (they lose strength, health issues increase, etc.), they may lose confidence in their abilities. They may lose self-esteem.

While many seniors don’t think much about assisted living, or they view it as a last option, a last hope, there are many benefits this elder care option can provide. In fact, for a growing number of elderly men and women who choose assisted living, even after they may have dismissed the idea at first, they begin to notice a change in their outlook and view on life.

In fact, more and more seniors are realizing they don’t need to choose assisted living for full-time or long-term care options, at least not at first with every facility.

There are respite care options available.

Assisted Living Mobile, AL: Boosting Self-Esteem

They may or may not be available at every assisted living community in a region, but for those that provide respite options, it can be a wonderful way to help seniors realize the value this elder care option provides.

What does it mean to offer respite care? It essentially means part-time, overnight hours, a few days during the week, for a week or two at a time, and so forth. These quality assisted living facilities don’t require seniors to move their entire life for a long-term, permanent commitment.

For example, a quality assisted living facility that provides respite options may offer seniors the opportunity to be dropped off in the late afternoon or evening hours and spend the night at the facility when they will be picked up the next morning.

This can be perfect for seniors who may have difficulty getting out of bed on their own or whose family is concerned about their safety and well-being during those overnight hours.

Another respite care option could be for somebody who has been acting as a family caregiver for months or even years and needs a break, some time to themselves. The senior can choose assisted living for a week or two to get a feel for how things really are there.

Can seniors enjoy the same activities and entertainment options as full-time residents?

Absolutely. In fact, this is why many seniors realize assisted living is truly a wonderful option for their future; they start out using these elder care services for part-time or short-term stays, become connected with other residents, make friends, and see the activities and entertainment they could enjoy, and want to immerse themselves in that experience all the time.

Not all assisted living facilities are the same, though. That’s why it is crucial for seniors and/or their family caregivers and support system to reach out and speak to administrators at the facility directly.

Find out what short-term or other respite care options are available at a specific assisted living community and then encourage the senior to give it a try. More and more elderly men and women are realizing the inherent value of assisted living and, as a result, feel more confident, not just about their life, but about their future. When an amazing thing that is!

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living · 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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