Long-Distance Support for an Aging Parent Who Has Moved into Assisted Living

February 26, 2019 by ·

Being witness to somebody getting older, somebody you’ve known all your life and care about is never easy. It could be a grandparent, parent, spouse, sibling, or somebody else you’ve known for decades. When that individual is having difficulty taking care of themselves at home, is not able to visit with friends and spends more of their time alone, the best thing is to help them see the benefits of assisted living.

Assisted Living in Fairhope AL: Long-Distance Support

Assisted Living in Fairhope AL: Long-Distance Support

As people have spread across the country, the nuclear family is the exception now, rather than the rule. That means adult children and grandchildren could be in other states, across the country, or even around the world when that elderly person begins struggling with daily life.

Being a long-distance support system for somebody is never easy.

However, when they come to the realization that assisted living is one of the best options to consider, it can be a relief for everyone involved. That often doesn’t set the mind of a long-distance support individual at ease like they may have thought it would.

There are things that a long-distance caregiver can still do to help.

One of the most effective is to keep the lines of communication open, but within reason. Many times when an elderly individual moves into assisted living or some other facility, they may cling to what they know, which will basically come down to their room and the furniture they’ve surrounded themselves with, and family.

They may call more frequently. They may ask people to check in on them consistently. That is all well and good, and it is certainly something that should continue, but if the calls are too frequent, if there are too many visits, that senior may slip into a pattern of remaining in their room waiting for the phone ring or the front desk to inform them a visitor has arrived.

If they’re in their room, they will be safe, for sure, but they will likely be missing out on many of the wonderful amenities that a quality assisted living community can offer. Some activities may involve arts and crafts, entertainment, exercise, and even dining.

Call them, but set a reasonable time to do so. Perhaps early in the morning or later in the evening, which would allow them the opportunity to explore their new community. That would be ideal. Work out what’s best, but avoid constant calls throughout the day, numerous visits every week, and help encourage them to get out and explore this new life which can be incredible.

If you or an aging loved one are considering assisted living in Fairhope, 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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