The Right Time to Discuss Assisted Living Options Is … When?

May 15, 2018 by ·

For some families, spouses, siblings, or even friends, the notion of talking about assisted living to somebody who is obviously having difficulty with their own care is not easy. In reality, though, the best time to begin discussing assisted living is long before it might actually be needed.

Assisted Living in Daphne AL: The Right Time to Discuss Assisted Living

Assisted Living in Daphne AL: The Right Time to Discuss Assisted Living

Why is this the best time?

People often become defensive when they are sick, injured, recovering from a medical emergency that landed them in the hospital, or constantly have to call people for help with even the most basic tasks of everyday life. They feel as though they lost something important, even in valuable, in their life.

They worry about losing independence, suddenly no longer having a say in their life, what they do, how much time they spend with friends, and so on. When they get defensive, it’s often difficult for them to have a clear and open mind about various options, which can include assisted living.

However, when this topic is discussed long before that individual actually needs help or begins dealing with the aftermath of injuries or medical illnesses, they become much more rational about the prospect.

In other words, they often think more clearly.

Many people can relate to this notion. There may have been a moment in your life when you were injured, when something you didn’t expect to happen occurred, and you suddenly needed help. It was frustrating. You knew you should be able to do something without support, but you couldn’t.

Then, when advice was offered, did you accept it or were you defensive?

The advice might have been reasonable. In fact, it could have been the best advice you received, but in your wounded state, with your fear and anxiety, you may have shot it down without a second thought. That can be exactly what happens for seniors when they feel as though decisions are being ripped away from them because of physical infirmities, disabilities, or limitations.

If an elderly person visits a couple of assisted living facilities, goes on a tour, learns about the various activities, the friends they can make or reconnect with, and more while they are still in good condition and have no need for help, this can plant the seed in their mind that, if the time comes to honestly bring this topic up, they may be more open and receptive having firsthand experience and realizing it’s not a testament to their lack of ability, but rather a focus on improving their quality of life.

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