Why Some Seniors Have a Difficult Time Transitioning to Assisted Living

May 24, 2017 by ·
Assisted-Living-in-Chickasaw-AL

Assisted Living in Chickasaw AL: Why Some Seniors Have a Difficult Time Transitioning to Assisted Living

Making a move in life is one of the top stressors. In fact, it is right up there with the loss of a significant family member, such as a spouse, child, or sibling. If a person is contemplating moving into assisted living, it might be difficult for them to accept at first, but once they make that decision, it doesn’t mean everything is going to go smoothly or be easy for them.

The senior might even be excited at first.

Some seniors are reluctant to even consider other living environments, including assisted living. Others can’t seem to control their enthusiasm and excitement when the idea is brought up to them first.

Whether or not they were excited in the beginning, that senior may have a difficult time transitioning to this new living situation. That’s because a lot of things have to change.

They will be in a completely new environment. They may have to give up a lot of their possessions, things they’ve grown accustomed to surrounding them, and that can be difficult for some. They may also be shy and introverted and are suddenly thrust into a situation where people begin to know one another quickly.

They may begin having second thoughts.

As the move date approaches, a senior may begin having second thoughts about this situation. Even if they were excited at first, the longer they’ve lived in the same place, the more difficult it’s going to be for them to actually leave it all behind. They might start delaying, procrastinating, and making excuses why they can’t pack, why they are nervous, or why they simply think this is the wrong thing suddenly.

Mostly, they probably don’t know what to expect.

People often have certain preconceived notions of just about everything. Many of us have our own preconceived ideas about assisted living and other senior care options. If that elderly person has certain misconceptions about this move suddenly, they might have a difficult time letting go and accepting this for their future.

This is where family, friends, and other support persons can step in, sit down with that senior, and listen to what he or she has to say. By listening to their concerns, anxieties, and even frustrations, it lets that senior know their opinion still matters.

Family members and friends may have begun taking over the packing and moving process and the senior suddenly felt pushed out. By having a conversation and listening to them, they can overcome their anxieties and it can certainly help them transition more positively to this living environment.

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