3 Things You Must Know about Assisted Living

December 22, 2015 by ·

Assisted Living in Spanish Fort AL

Millions of people in the United States are living in an assisted living situation. There are numerous assisted living facilities all across the country and they are not all alike.Assisted-Living-Spanish-Fort-AL

Common myths and misconceptions.

Many people have certain misconceptions about assisted living. The most common misconception people have about this senior care option is associating it with nursing homes. The two are completely different, and while nursing homes have generally received the worst reputation through the years, considering an assisted living community to be similar is doing a disservice to these facilities themselves.

Here are three things you absolutely must know about assisted living before talking to an elderly loved one about the prospect. Maybe the senior has brought it up themselves or it’s something you feel they should think about, considering there limited physical capabilities, health issues, and other factors that may be impacting their safety.

The more you know about assisted living, the more prepared you will be to answer questions the senior may have. If you’re unable to answer questions, it can embolden some of those myths and misconceptions.

1. Assisted living is ‘assisted’ living.

It’s easy to assume that once a person moves into one of these communities they reach the end stages of their life. In reality, many people begin to live once again after they move into them.

There are so many activities seniors can enjoy, from arts and crafts to entertainment, exercise amenities in a growing number of facilities, and much more. As they’re exposed to new people, they can forge new friendships and explore even more incredible activities.

2. Staff are highly attentive.

Staff members at most assisted living communities receive a tremendous amount of training when they first start working there and throughout their tenure. The staff tend to be highly attentive to the needs of each senior. For example, if one elderly resident requires assistance getting out of bed, a staff member will be there when they’re ready (when the senior is ready).

3. Many communities take part in various off-site activities.

A common misconception people have about assisted living is that most seniors tend to remain within the confines of the facility and never really venture off-site, except to go to doctor’s appointments. In reality, there are many incredible activities and events that seniors consistently pursue, thanks in large part to the transportation and encouragement at various assisted-living communities.

The more you know about assisted living, the more you realize it is a wonderful option.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Spanish Fort, 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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