The Introvert and Assisted Living: Can They Get Along?

July 17, 2017 by ·

Assisted Living in Theodore AL: Introverts

Assisted Living in Theodore AL: Introverts

What does it really mean to be an introvert? Essentially, that means a person will spend more time by themselves, be less comfortable getting out to meet others and socializing, and may have extreme difficulty in a new living situation. When a person is an introvert, they may have extreme difficulty even contemplating assisted living.

Can the introvert and assisted living get along?

While it certainly depends on the facility itself, there’s no reason to believe a person who is introverted, shy, or even withdrawn wouldn’t have a wonderful time, a high quality of life, and many other benefits by choosing assisted living.

What needs to happen?

The right facility needs to be chosen. An assisted living community that has supported staff, is responsive to the needs of their residents, and that understands the limitation some people face is a great start.

An assisted living facility that provides a supportive environment but doesn’t force its residents to participate in any particular activity, exercise routine, or even dining facility is going to give each person the opportunity to spread out and test their boundaries as they see fit.

How to provide support for the introvert.

When an introverted individual, somebody extremely shy or withdrawn, finally agrees that assisted living would be the right step for their future, they might have a tendency to stay in their own room with the door closed most days. They may only come out once in a while, either to eat at the dining facility, stretch their legs, go for a walk, or something similar, but what family and even staff members may be able to do is offer encouragement.

How do we offer encouragement?

Let them know what’s going on. Let them know the activities that might be taking place on a particular day. Encourage them to explore some of these activities. They don’t have to get involved in discussion or even sit in the front of a room or class; they can hang back, observe, simply determine if this would be something they might enjoy doing in the future.

Even keeping the door open for a while in the afternoon is a great way to help introverted, shy people begin to meet others, especially at an assisted living community. Other seniors are in a very similar situation and might simply say hello as they walk by. Some might stop and ask questions. Some might even form strong friendships with this individual.

Assisted living can be a great option for people from all walks of life, including those considered introverted.

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