Tips for Keeping Assisted Living Residents Engaged and Active
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on September 19, 2016
Tips for Keeping Assisted Living Residents Engaged and Active
How to ensure that your residents’ physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, and sensory needs are met.
One of the biggest issues that families face when putting their loved ones into an assisted living facility is ensuring that they will be engaged and happy in their new community. Staying socially and physically engaged is of utmost importance to a senior’s mental and overall health.
A study at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found that elderly people in the US who lead an active social life have a lower rate of memory decline. According to a study at the Hebrew University Medical Center and Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, seniors who do any amount of exercise live longer and have a lower risk of disability. Needless to say, it’s imperative that assisted living communities provide their residents with a stimulating environment that keeps them active and involved.
Seniors often experience depression if they are isolated in their homes. Assisted living facilities are an excellent alternative for seniors because many of them work hard to promote engagement by offering an array of planned activities and events.
Socialization Is Key
Social engagement among seniors combats depression, which can lead to a myriad of health problems, from memory loss to fatigue. It’s important for seniors to maintain an active social life full of human interaction and stimulation. A well-run assisted living center provides residents with social events, programs, and contests that promote socialization.
Offer Programs That Keep Seniors Active
Staying active in a group setting can help assisted living residents to keep their bodies healthy and prevent arthritis. Offer a variety of physical activities in your community, from strength-building workouts to water aerobics, to physical therapy. Exercise is important because it improves strength, mobility, and mood. Exercise is also a social activity for many seniors because they can connect with others and catch up on the latest gossip during group classes and walks.
Give Residents a Chance to Enjoy the Outdoors
Residents of assisted living facilities may start to feel restless if they don’t get fresh air on a regular basis. Having an outdoor patio with tables and chairs provides residents with a relaxing outdoor space where they can interact and engage with one another.
Encourage Involvement in the Community
Having some level of interaction with the local community is good because it makes residents feel like they are making a contribution. Outreach programs keep seniors involved, giving them the opportunity to work with children, non-profit organizations, or businesses in the community. This prevents them from feeling out of touch with the world.
Provide Intellectual Stimulation
Seniors are susceptible to boredom if they are left alone without any intellectual activities to stimulate them. This can lead to mental health problems. It’s important for seniors to keep their minds active and learn new skills by taking classes, participating in the arts, discussing current issues, and more. Assisted living facilities can plan events and activities that provide their residents with regular opportunities to learn and grow.
Staying active in an assisted living facility helps seniors enjoy their retirement while slowing the aging process. Offering a planned schedule teeming with fun and engaging activities can help you attract more prospects to your facility and enrich the lives of your residents.
Advertise Your Assisted Living Facility at Senior Living Link
Connect with people seeking assisted living facilities for their aging loved ones at Senior Living Link. Our online directory allows you to showcase your facility, advertise your activities and events, and increase leads. Join our directory for just $97 per month – you can cancel your membership at any time. We do not charge a placement or referral fee!
Want more resources? Learn More >>
Want to stay updated with our blog posts and other resources? Sign up for monthly newsletter >>