When Tina Moved to Assisted Living, She Discovered There Was Still So Much She Could Do

August 2, 2022 by ·

When some people face new challenges in life as they get older, they can get down on themselves. They can get depressed. It may feel as though nothing they do matters anymore. And it may even feel like they can’t help anyone, even themselves. When it comes to the topic of assisted living, some seniors honestly feel like this is the final chapter of their life when they move into one of these.

It doesn’t have to be that way. For one elderly woman, Tina, she discovered that the best years of her life were actually the ones at assisted living, a wonderful elder care option.

 

Tina thought everything was going to change.

Assisted Living Theodore, AL: Assisted Living and Activities

Assisted Living Theodore, AL: Assisted Living and Activities

However, the types of changes she was expecting were all negative. She assumed she was never going to visit with friends again. She assumed she was going to be told what she could or couldn’t do, when she had to go back to her room, and so on.

She had the absolute wrong idea about what assisted living is, offers, and provides for aging men and women.

But, everything did change for Tina. However, those changes were some amazing things, wonderful experiences she never imagined she would ever have.

 

Tina began helping others.

For over 10 years, Tina had lived alone. Ever since her husband passed away suddenly, she spent most of her time in the house they shared for decades. Sure, she had friends visit, family come over, and she traveled every once in a while, but most of the time she was alone.

Because she was alone, there was nobody to interact with other than friends or family on the phone. Now, at assisted living, she was able to meet new people and even reconnect with friends she hadn’t seen in decades.

What she discovered through these interactions was many people had needs. They needed help. Yes, staff is there to help them, but she was able to assist with many things, too, like reading, helping a senior learn how to use their new smartphone to talk to their grandchildren on a video chat, and so on.

 

Tina started an art class.

She loved art. She had dabbled in it for most of her life. She never taught it. Yet, here she was, surrounded by other seniors who want to explore things, discover new outlets in life, and she was able to offer her services.

She didn’t consider herself an artist or teacher, but she had some skills that she was more than happy to share and pass along. August is Boomers Making a Difference Month and for somebody like Tina, assisted living can provide an outlet and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other men and women who are of advancing years.

Tina did many of the things in the coming years while at assisted living. She never thought this type of elder care would really be a wonderful asset. Many other seniors can discover this, too.

If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to an Assisted Living facility near Theodore, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

Filed Under: Social Seniors · 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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