When Dad makes the transition from independent to assisted living he (and you) will be in for a surprise. While he can enjoy all of the peace and quiet he desires, there are a bevy of socializing and activities that may not have been available to him as his mobility decreased. This balance of planned activities and individual autonomy are what make assisted living communities flourish.
The beauty of assisted living is that it offers structure and assistance when needed, but Dad plans his own day. If he is fairly self-reliant, the schedule for any one person in the community can vary widely to suit individual tastes and enrich Dad’s daily life. Below is a sample day – filled with fun and activities:
7:00 – Medication and morning personal care
Depending on his ability to handle daily tasks, this may just be the nursing staff coming in with meds or more assistance as needed with bathing and grooming.
8:00 – Breakfast
Whether in his room or in the dining hall with the other residents – it’s his choice
every day.
9:00 – Optional activities or health services
After breakfast it’s time for art, music, exercise classes, puzzles or games. This time of day also is reserved for therapy and medical visits.
10:30 – Scheduled walks or exercises
To work up an appetite for lunch most communities offer a late morning walk or exercise program.
12:00 – Lunch
Again, Dad will have the choice of dining with the other residents or enjoying some quiet
time in his own space.
1:00 – Optional activities or health services
After lunch, it is time for more fun with music or poetry classes, planned outings, or
onsite concerts. Afternoon medical field trips and onsite care can occur in this time slot.
2:30 – Free Time
This time of day is usually reserved for afternoon naps, free time or resident-planned
activities and clubs. A chance to wind down as the day wanes, the free time leads itself
to making of friends and enjoying a quiet cup of tea or a rowdy game of bingo.
4:00 – Optional program offerings
Social hours before dinner are always a popular part of the day. It can include special
performances, speakers, workshops, sing-alongs and much more.
5:30 – Dinner
Like breakfast and lunch, Dad can decide if he’s done with socializing and wants to eat in his room or if he’d like to spend more time with his neighbors.
6:30 – Showers, medication, and evening personal care
As the day winds down, residents take the evening hours for personal care and grooming.
8:00 – Bed time
Although not required, most residents are ready to turn in or at least head to their own spaces for some down time in the evenings.
The amount and variety of activities depend on the size and focus of the assisted living community and is most likely going to be adaptable to the residents that live there. Smaller facilities may offer less structured activities, while larger facilities, may offer such a wide array of options that they require multiple schedules (one for physical, one for social, and another for interest-based activities).
Regardless of the number of activities available, the important thing is that you limit the search to only those assisted living facilities that offer activities and schedules that fit Dad’s lifestyle and tend the needs that concern his family. Making the move to assisted living is a big step. And finding a place that fits naturally with his interests and caters to his pace of life will make the transition easier. Do you have a question about a Tennessee or Georgia assisted living community? Contact Senior Solutions – we’re here to help.
What is important to your Dad’s schedule when considering an assisted living community?
