Adapting to Assisted Living Might Take Some, So Don’t Give Up and Don’t Give in Too Quick

July 16, 2019 by ·

Adapting to change is not always easy. In fact, moving is one of the biggest stressors in life. Yet, people move all the time, from childhood through their Golden Years. When an aging senior has finally agreed to move into assisted living, even if they appeared to be a little reluctant at first, it might be difficult for them to make this adjustment.

Challenges can arise, even for those who were excited about this prospect.

Assisted Living Spanish Fort, AL: Adapting to Assisted Living

Assisted Living Spanish Fort, AL: Adapting to Assisted Living

Even for aging seniors who were happy to consider assisted living and couldn’t wait to move in, there will likely be a period of time for adjustment. This senior or seniors might have difficulty making new friends, meeting new people, getting used to the facility and grounds, exploring the activities and entertainment options that are available, and figuring out the best time for them to go to the dining facility.

Some seniors will lean on their family more frequently.

During these first weeks and possibly months the senior moves into a new assisted living facility, he or she might call their adult daughter or son, siblings, and even their friends asking to be taken home. They might call friends and cry on the phone, talk about how scared they are, how uncomfortable this place is, how they wish they could be anywhere but here.

Most people understand what a homesick feeling is like.
Change is not easy for most people. This can be exasperated for seniors who were living in the same place for decades. Sharing a house with a spouse who may no longer be around will often mean memories are tied to just about every piece of furniture, every room, and even every door.

Transitioning to a completely new environment is going to take time. Adaptation can be extremely challenging for some while other seniors jump in with both feet and feel completely comfortable immediately. For those who have difficulty making these transitions, it’s important that their family understand the process will take time.

Don’t be so quick to pull them out, bring them home with you, or try to move them back into a different environment, such as a smaller apartment or condo. Encourage them. Listen to them. Support them. But avoid the knee-jerk reaction to “pull them out” because it can certainly sound like they’re being tormented when in fact they aren’t giving this assisted living facility a fair shake.

 

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.

Filed Under: Adapting to Assisted Living, Assisted Living in Spanish Fort AL · 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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