How Assisted Living Helps Your Loved One Stay Social
Older adults often struggle with isolation and loneliness after retirement. One of the best ways to combat this is to encourage your loved one to move to an assisted living community. Assisted living communities emphasize mental health through socialization and offer many opportunities for residents to gather, interact, and engage with their community.
New Perspective Senior Living explores ways that our assisted living communities help seniors stay social and active in their golden years.
Why is Social Interaction Important for Aging Adults?
Life can get lonely once the routine of going to work and taking care of a family halts after retirement. For older adults who live alone, the feelings of isolation are even greater. Many factors come into play as they age at home:
- Living alone
- Low income
- Disability or impairment
- Inability to drive
- No family nearby
- Death of spouse, family members, or friends
Consistent solitude can cause health risks for aging adults, including:
- Tripping and falling that leads to broken bones or traumatic brain injury
- Loss of memory
- Decline in cognitive functions
- Fear of getting hurt, leading to further isolation
Studies have shown that having an active social life helps you live longer, and it may also delay memory loss in aging adults. Regular social interaction can also decrease depression and lead to a more physically active life, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, arthritis, and cardiovascular issues.
On days when friends and family members simply aren’t available to socialize, a pet companion offers similar socialization benefits. Pets can significantly help aging loved ones stay active, combat loneliness, and develop a routine.
How Assisted Living Helps
Assisted living communities encourage your loved one to maintain their independence while providing personalized health care and robust socialization opportunities.
Planned Activities Encourage Community
Assisted living communities offer residents daily calendars full of a variety of fun and engaging activities to choose from. Depending on the day, your loved one might:
- Attend a class such as drawing, jewelry-making, flower-arranging, yoga, or dance.
- Dine with friends for lunch or dinner, or just spend the afternoon chatting and laughing at a cafe.
- Join a club based on common interests, such as books, gardening, or cooking.
- Go on a trip to a local park, museum, or theater.
- Play games such as weekly bingo, trivia, cards, or lawn bowling.
- See live entertainment, from piano players to educational lectures.
- Celebrate special events, including holidays and birthdays.
Residents are encouraged to try as many activities as they might enjoy, with no pressure. The more they explore, the more friends they’ll make, and the quicker they’ll settle into their new home!
Free Time Fosters Independence
Independence is just as important as socialization. Assisted living communities are a fantastic solution for loved ones who need medical and socialization support but still want to maintain their independence.
While we’ve explored the many benefits of an active social life, everyone needs their alone time, too. Your loved one can participate in however many activities they wish each day, but they can also spend some free time relaxing at home, trying a new hobby, or going for a solo walk. Whether they’re fond of decompressing by reading books, cooking, or playing with their pet, we encourage all residents to live life on purpose.
Individualized Health Care for Your Loved One
In assisted living communities, each resident receives personalized healthcare support from providers who take the time to get to know them. Your loved one’s on-site healthcare providers offer medication support and nurture lasting bonds that help with socialization.
The healthcare features of assisted living communities are designed around each person’s quality of life. On-site health programs include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Exercise classes
Assisted living communities typically provide transportation for people who need to visit off-campus medical providers. This allows your loved one to maintain the relationships they built over the years with their primary care providers.
Staying Connected With the Larger Community
We know that it can be challenging – even a little bit scary – to start a new life in a new home. That’s why we offer so many opportunities for residents to engage in their communities from Day One. Our staff regularly plans fun, exciting, and enlivening events within the campus as well as off-campus field trips and shopping excursions. No one is forced to attend anything, but everyone is encouraged.
For some older adults, personalized care at assisted living includes extra help in getting and staying motivated to be part of the community. This helps some residents avoid slipping into the habit of isolation, which perpetuates loneliness.
Learn More About New Perspective Senior Living
After retirement, assisted living communities are a fantastic way for your loved one to socialize and stay active, all while receiving the tailored support they need.
But don’t just take our word for it! Hear what our happy residents and their loved ones have to say about living at New Perspective:
“My dear mother spent the last four years of her life in New Perspective Long Grove’s Memory Care residence. My family could not be happier with the excellent care she received from the nurses and aides in memory care. My husband and I are so grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to my mom as her health declined. My mom was very comfortable and happy with her NP caregivers.”
-Diane, New Perspective at Long Grove, IL
“My grandmother was admitted there, and it has been nothing short of royal! They cater to her, and her meds are given on time. They have great meals and a wonderful dining experience. The staff are very polite and understanding. If you’re looking for a place for a loved one, this place is wonderful.”
-Alexandria, New Perspective at Island Shores, WI
“My brother has been at New Perspective for 2 months. He couldn’t be happier. He has made new friends, the staff is caring and compassionate, and he loves the food. Thank you for keeping him safe and easing my mind.”
-Cynthia, New Perspective at Franklin, WI
If you’re interested in learning more about how assisted living can increase your loved one’s quality of life, contact New Perspective today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have or help you schedule a tour of one of our vibrant communities.