5 Questions to Ask a Loved One when Discussing Assisted Living

March 3, 2015 by ·

Assisted Living in Daphne, AL

The first time Wilma’s family approached her about assisted living, she was adamantly against the idea. She had been living in the same house for more than 30 years and had no intention of leaving. She assumed they were concerned about her well-being since her husband recently passed away, but what they were really concerned about was her long-term care and her ability to stay connected with her friends.

Wilma wasn’t even considering the prospect of moving.  Although she didn’t know much about assisted living, she didn’t think it was necessary for her. She was still able to maintain her independence fairly well, even though she was dealing with increasing challenges with her health and ability to perform household tasks.

Over the course of the next year, she began calling on her oldest children more and more to help her with various activities around the house.  That’s when the topic of assisted living came up once again. This time, though, her family spent more time talking with her about quality of life and what her expectations were with regard to an assisted living facility.

Listed below are the five areas that her family discussed with her about assisted living.   This guide may be helpful for anyone who is trying to begin this discussion.

1. Are there any activities you wished you could be doing right now?

This question is pretty basic and goes to the heart of whether or not a person is getting the most out of life. Just because somebody reaches a certain age doesn’t mean he or she has to stop pursuing new interests, enjoying activities, or even exploring new endeavors.

2. What are some of your challenges?

This question can get the senior thinking about all of the challenges, whether they pertain to health, personal care, isolation, or completing household tasks.

3. What is your perception of assisted living?

Having a good idea of what the senior thinks about assisted living can provide insight for family members, especially as it relates to getting him or her to understand that this is a viable option.

4. How many friends do you know are in assisted living right now?

Wilma knew of at least three friends who had moved into one of these facilities in the past.

5. Would you be willing to visit the facility just to see it?

In order to encourage the elderly individual to consider this living option, find out if he or she will at least visit the facility and see what it has to offer. This could provide a great deal of information and alleviate some his or her concerns or fears.

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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