5 Ways to Improve Life at Assisted Living

August 6, 2015 by ·

Assisted Living in Saraland AL

Moving into assisted living can be a stressful event. Moving is one of the top stressors in life, right up there with losing a family member, losing a job, and more. Just because this may very well be Assisted Living in Saraland ALthe best option for a particular senior in your life, that doesn’t mean it isn’t going to be stressful.

That senior could be excited about the prospect of heading to this assisted living facility, but the quality of life may not feel as though it improves dramatically right away. Over time, the senior will likely become much more comfortable with his or her surroundings, but here are some ways that you may be able to help them improve his or her outlook:

1. Visit the senior on a limited basis. Family members may stop by to visit the senior every single day for weeks on end. They want their loved one to be comfortable, but by doing so this may discourage him from actually getting out, meeting new people, and taking part in various activities. Limit the visits to one or two days a week at first.

2. Help the senior get involved with activities. The elderly individual might not know what type of activities take place at this particular living environment. By helping him find out, it can open up doorways for excitement and fun.

3. Create a comfortable living space. Every senior is going to have his own apartment, unless he shares it with another individual. Even shared rooms can be made into comfortable living spaces. Having pictures of family, mementos, books, and other items that are important to the senior can help him feel much more comfortable during the evening and nighttime hours.

4. Help the senior get out and about. If the grounds have wonderful walking trails, he may be encouraged to go out for walk during the day. If he doesn’t have anybody to walk with, he may prefer to remain in his apartment, watching TV, or lounging somewhere else. It is a good idea to go for a walk while visiting.

5. Encourage exercise. Everyone, regardless of age, should get at least 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every single day. Many modern assisted living facilities have a workout room with some quality equipment. When the senior begins exercising, it will help to boost his heart strength, overall health, and release endorphins in the brain which help people feel better.

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