The more an assisted living community can re-create and resemble resident’s home lives, the easier the transition will be. Activities are a major part of what makes assisted living fun. Too often seniors will slow down on getting out or doing things due to mobility or other constraints. When they are taking place on site at their new home, they are more likely to participate. A good assisted living community will ensure that there is a variety of choices for residents to choose from like:
Board games/Card games
Ever the fierce competitors, communities will hold weekly board and card game nights. Residents can come together and play their favorite card and board games, socialize and have fun.
Gardening
Once residents relocate from their homes, the ones with green thumbs will miss puttering around in their gardens. It’s easy for the assisted care community to set aside an area for them to tend, growing vegetables for the kitchens or flowers to decorate.
Related: Grow Your Green Thumb With Us
Book Club
While mobility issues may plague some residents, they are still passionate about their reading. Starting a book club with novels selected for everyone to read and discuss every two weeks or monthly is a great way to involve the avid readers in your community.
Shuffleboard
Depending on the mobility of the residents, shuffleboard is a very popular way to mingle and get some exercise. A popular sport in the 55+ communities, there are avid participants in most assisted living community.
Knitting/Cross Stitch/Needlework/ Quilting
Another pastime that residents enjoy are classes in quilting, knitting, cross stitch and other needlework. Not that these experts usually need much instruction. It’s just a great way to get them together to stitch, chat and enjoy each other’s company.
Fitness Classes
Fitness classes are a part of the regime of most communities. Classes are offered at all levels of mobility from light aerobics, power walking to chair exercises. In order to keep flexibility and mobility it is critical that seniors stay fit and active.
Nail Care
What gal (or hip guy) doesn’t want their nails done? Many communities make arrangements with local salons or beauty schools and set aside a specific time each week for residents to get manicures and pedicures. Ahhhhh…..so relaxing.
Related: Senior Beauty Tips From Senior Solutions
Bingo
Another all time favorite for the active senior – Bingo - has kept folks active and passionate since its inception. If your family comes to visit on Bingo Night – look out, ‘cause some of the seniors take their Bingo seriously.
Bible Studies/Worship Services
In order to continue their spiritual lives, many residents participate in weekly Bible Studies and Worship Services. While they may not feel up to going out to their own church, they very much enjoy having studies and services available.
Lunch Out
Lunch out is an event that most residents anticipate. The staff will take a group of residents out of the community to their favorite restaurant for a nice lunch. It’s a great opportunity to venture out and enjoy their cities.
Movie Night
The smell of popcorn popping drifts through the halls on movie night. It’s a great way for residents to stay up a bit later and see the latest films together. They’re always fodder for discussion the next few days.
Pet Therapy
One of the things that residents enjoy the most is Pet Therapy. If they’ve spent most of their lives around animals, this is their opportunity to pet and snuggle with these wonderful volunteer pets and their owners. There are always plenty of smiles when the pets arrive.
Related: The Role of Pet Therapy in our Senior Living Communities
These are but a dozen of the countless activities that residents can enjoy in an assisted living community. A current research study by the Ontario Brain Institute indicate that increased physical activity, eating right and socialization can slow down and in some cases prevent Alzheimer’s diagnoses.
Are you considering a move to an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one? Contact Senior Solutions. Our communities in Georgia and Tennessee boast the most up to date facilities and a solid staff who care about seniors.
