Making the transition into assisted living can feel like a drastic change, especially if your loved one is unsure about a new daily schedule. If you have determined that assisted living would be helpful, you’re probably curious about how they will spend their time. You will be eager to discover all the different activities and healthy habits your aging loved one gets to participate in when they live in an assisted living community.
During an average day in assisted living, your loved one will receive the necessary help they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Each resident receives personalized, individual care so that no day will be exactly the same. However, most days follow a standard schedule. Let’s take a look at a typical day in assisted living together.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living with services is different than independent living in that assisted living care aims to help people through activities of daily living (ADLs). Assisted living communities have support teams that work around the clock, and at least one medical professional is on-call at all times. Team members collaborate with each family so that every individual receives personal care suited to their needs. Some residents need more hands-on help, while others are more independent.
Assisted living communities offer a wide range of recreation and services. Services often include:
- Meals
- Housing
- Transportation
- Housekeeping
- Socialization
- Medication reminders
- Bathing help
- Physical therapy
- Exercise classes
Morning
In assisted living communities, your loved one can wake up whenever they like. Upon waking, the day begins with the help they need.
Healthy Start
If your loved one needs help going to the restroom, getting dressed, or taking their medications, a supportive team member will be there to help them as soon as they wake up. After getting ready, it’s time for a healthy breakfast.
Depending on your loved one’s abilities, they can make their own breakfast or head to the dining room to dine with friends. At New Perspective, each breakfast is made to order, so they can enjoy the perfect breakfast each and every day.
Morning Activities
After breakfast, your loved one can participate in classes or activities. Assisted living communities strive to enhance one’s physical and emotional spirit by creating a fun, stimulating environment. Morning activities can include things like:
- Exercise classes
- Board games
- Craft club
- Religious study groups
- Trivia
- Bingo
Many assisted living communities also provide transportation to activities off-campus, such as museums, theatres, or apple orchards. Residents are also found going for walks, reading in the library, or enjoying the on-site salon.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, residents enjoy lunch, connect with their friends, and relax in their favorite spot.
Lunch
Lunch is most commonly eaten in the dining room, socializing with friends, but, as with breakfast, your loved one is free to make their own meal in their apartment if they prefer. Many times, prospective residents and their families tour the community and join the lunch meal in the dining room. The chef-designed menu is different each day to offer a variety of healthy choices, so your loved one will be able to order a nutritious breakfast with protein, fruits, and vegetables.
Afternoon Visits and Activities
All portions of the day are flexible, but the afternoon is often the most popular time for your loved one to explore the hobbies they enjoy most or spend time with family or friends. When visiting your loved one, you can go for walks, catch up in the garden, or participate in afternoon activities. Public and private areas of assisted living communities are handicap-accessible, so residents and visitors with mobility aids can enjoy the full spectrum of community offerings.
Some residents enjoy an afternoon nap before attending activities. Mental exercise is vital for aging loved ones, so the life engagement team will often encourage participation in card games, puzzles, and interactive activities.
Evening
When evening comes, it is time to wind down. Your loved one will participate in a helpful routine that prepares their mind and body for a restful night of sleep.
Nutritious Dinner
In the evening, dinner is served in the dining room. Friends can chat about their days, or family members can join for a meal. Team members will often converse with people throughout the dining room so that no one feels lonely. Engaging in conversation and reviewing the day is a fantastic way to exercise your loved one’s brain and memory.
Since meals rotate every day, your loved one is sure to have many healthy options for dinner. Comfort foods like lasagna and roasts frequently make an appearance along with nutritious fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
Prepare for Bed
After dinner, your loved one will have the option to participate in more social activities, or they may choose to wind down and prepare for bed. If needed, caregivers are available to help your loved one with showering, evening medications, and all other bedtime preparations.
Residents are free to read, fill out crossword puzzles, watch tv, or whatever else they prefer to do before bedtime. Daily routines and participation in activities help your loved one settle into assisted living. A full day of activities, exercise, and socialization fosters better sleep and happier moods.
Each Day in Assisted Living is Unique, Fun, and Helpful
There may be regular schedules at assisted living communities, but there is no such thing as a dull day. Routines help foster a sharp memory, but each daily schedule is flexible. Some days, your loved one may attend happy hour, and other days they may participate in a book club. While meals are served at the same time every day, the menu is different, so your loved one receives a nutritious variety.
Independence is encouraged, and visits are too! You are free to visit your loved one in their assisted living community whenever you can. You can even add excitement to your day by participating in community activities while you visit.
If you’re considering assisted living for your aging loved one, feel free to reach out to New Perspective at any time. We can help answer any questions you may have, and set up a tour so you can experience a day at one of our fantastic communities.