What Happens When an Aging Senior Chooses Assisted Living, but They Find Themselves Surrounded by Others with Dementia?

June 25, 2019 by ·

Memory care assisted living can be a wonderful option for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. The experienced and compassionate staff members who work at these facilities can provide a great deal of comfort for these aging men and women. But what about seniors who aren’t dealing with any type of dementia, but are living at a facility that provides support for these individuals?

There are times when some seniors may find themselves surrounded by a great deal of commotion. As dementia progresses, it can steal more and more memory, cognitive function, and create increased anxiety. With increased confusion and anxiety, some people may lash out at others, including staff members and other residents.

Assisted Living Mobile, AL: Assisted Living and Dementia

There may be times when some residents at a quality assisted living community hear screaming, yelling, crying, or other types of distress and commotion. This can certainly be upsetting an increase stress levels for those other residents.

Every assisted living facility is different.
It’s not possible to make a blanket statement and stipulate that those with memory related issues are going to be isolated on a different part of the building, but for a quality community, that could be beneficial for other residents. No, the residents who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia will not be “isolated,” but their living quarters may be separated from other residents.

What this means is there may be several rooms or even a wing at the facility that is specifically set aside for residents dealing with some type of dementia. These residents will use the facility just as the rest of the residents (entertainment, dining, activities, etc.).

This was a question on a forum recently about this very issue.
An aging resident who claimed he was living at one of these facilities was overwhelmed with stress and anxiety because he found himself surrounded by numerous seniors dealing with a variety of mental health issues, most commonly dementia. It was disconcerting, to say the least.

If people are concerned about this as a possibility, it’s important to sit down and speak to an administrator at a facility one might be considering moving to. If they offer memory care at this assisted living facility, do they take steps to ensure other residents are minimally exposed to potential outbursts and other behaviors that may sometimes be commonly associated with this type of disease?

This is certainly a question that can sometimes be overlooked until that senior is dealing with the effects directly.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Mobile, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017

Filed Under: Assisted Living and Dementia, Assisted Living in Mobile AL · Tagged: ,
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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