Tips to Help Dad Make This Move to Assisted Living Easier

November 30, 2016 by ·

Assisted Living in Daphne AL

Your father has finally agreed to move. He was living in that big house all alone, ever since your mother passed away two years ago. Some of his friends moved away, passed away, and he had been feeling lonely in recent months. It wasn’t easy, but after many lengthy discussions, he considered assisted living as a reasonable option.Assisted-Living-in-Daphne-AL

You both visited a variety of locations, various assisted living facilities. He found one he liked, where he felt he would become well, and where he already knew a few friends. You were excited for him. At the time, though, that move date was more than four months away.

Now his move in date is less than a month away and though you’ve helped him pack, he might be getting a bit nervous. After all, he may have been in the same house for decades. It’s not easy for people to leave a home they shared with a loved one for most of their adult life.

Making this transition can be overwhelming or exceedingly stressful. Here are a few tips you may be able to use that can help your father be more comfortable with this move, even if he is somewhat excited about the prospect.

Tip #1: Talk to him about it.

You might assume you know what your father’s going through, but how certain are you unless you talk to him? He may have gone along seemingly on autopilot because he felt he had no other options.

He might talk a good game, so to speak, but bring up the topic. Ask him how he truly feels about this move. If he seems to be placating you or assuring you everything’s fine, dig a little deeper.

He may have reservations or concerns. He might be afraid. It’s okay to feel different emotions. Moving is one of the most stressful things people go through in life. It doesn’t get any easier, regardless of age or physical or mental needs.

Tip #2: Ask questions.

Ask him what he expects from this new living environment. Ask him if there’s anything specific he needs to help him with this move. Keep your little journal with you as you go throughout your day and jot down any questions that may come to mind.

When you sit down and spend time with him, go over these questions.

Tip #3: Listen.

We often become so busy in life that we fail to listen to those around us. You may assume you know what your father’s feeling or going through emotionally, but unless you sit down and actually pay close attention to what he says, you can miss some important clues.

He may have concerns or questions about this new home environment. When you listen to him, you may find some opportunities to ask questions of the staff at assisted living or even some of his friends that can provide him the comfort you want him to feel with this transition.

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