National Assisted Living Week is a time to celebrate the people who make assisted living possible and the communities that support them. The celebration began in 1995 and has been taking place every year since. It’s also a time to reflect on the future of this growing industry, how to move your loved one into assisted living, and how you can celebrate National Assisted Living Week.
National Assisted Living Week aims to raise awareness about how vital assisted living facilities are in today’s modern world. They provide a haven for those who need help living independently but do not have family or friends nearby to assist them. Assisted living is an excellent option for people who need help with day-to-day activities but don’t want to move into a nursing home.
The theme for 2022 is “Joyful Moments.” It’s a reminder that we all can create joyful moments for those who need it most and we have a role to play in ensuring that people with disabilities can live their lives with independence and dignity.
Services at Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities offer many services, including memory care, personal care assistance, transportation services, meals on wheels, and more. Moreover, they offer these services at affordable rates so that people who need help can afford it without worrying about where their next meal will come from or how they will get around town without having to rely on others all day long to get out of bed in the morning. The average assisted living facility has around 100 residents, offering activities like exercise classes, movie nights, and more.
Assisted living facilities also provide various services to seniors, including help with activities like dressing and bathing, emotional support, and companionship. These communities are designed to provide a safe, comfortable home for older adults who need some extra care and support. They give their residents access to a range of services—from medication management programs to housekeeping and meal preparation—so that seniors can live as independently as possible while still receiving the care they need.
Future of Assisted Living Facilities
The ability for seniors to age in place is essential to ensuring that we can all live long, healthy lives. It’s also critical for our economy: The number of Americans over the age of 65 will double in the next 20 years, so we will need more assisted living communities to serve them.
Moving Your Loved One Into Assisted Living
Moving into an assisted living facility is a significant change, and it can be difficult for both parties involved. If you’re helping someone move into an assisted living facility and you want them to feel as comfortable as possible, here are some tips:
- Make sure to bring their favorite things from home, whether it’s a piece of art or a comfortable chair—it’s crucial that they feel at home in their new space.
- Be patient with them if they’re not feeling well or if they have trouble adjusting. It’s normal for someone who has lived alone for a long time to have difficulty adjusting to being in an assisted living facility. Just remember that everyone needs time to adjust!
- Encourage them to explore the grounds and get familiar with the new area. This will help them feel more confident in their surroundings.
How Can I Celebrate National Assisted Living Week?
National Assisted Living Week is an excellent opportunity to show appreciation for the people who serve these communities.. You can participate in National Assisted Living Week by:
- Visiting an assisted living facility in your community and spending time with residents. You can bring them flowers or treats, or spend some time laughing with them.
- Volunteering at local assisted living facilities. You could help out with activities, work in the kitchen, or be a friendly face to chat with for residents who are lonely or feeling isolated.
- Donating money to local assisted living facilities. This is a great way to make sure that there’s always funding available for programs like transportation and social activities that help keep residents active and involved in their communities.
How Do Hospice & Palliative Care Professionals Help?
Hospice and palliative care professionals are highly involved in this celebration, as they work extensively with assisted living facilities. They help patients and families manage their pain, symptoms, and fears about end-of-life care.
Palliative care professionals help you understand your options and decide what is best for your health and well-being as you age so you can have peace of mind as you go through this time in your life. They will work with you to create a plan that supports your physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and social needs. In addition, they can also help family members understand how best to support their loved ones during this time.
It’s time for us all—whether we’re dealing with aging ourselves or providing care for someone else—to look around at what we can do differently to ensure that everyone has access to quality care options when they need them most.