Nationally observed during the second week of September every year, this year’s National Assisted Living Week is being held on September 12th - 18th, 2021. National Assisted Living Week was established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995 in order to educate the public about assisted living and encourage assisted living communities to celebrate their residents and staff.This year, the theme for National Assisted Living Week is “Compassion, Community, Caring,” which represents the importance of staying connected through hardship and also celebrates the caregivers in assisted living communities that have remained dedicated to providing excellent care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.In acknowledgment and celebration of this week, we’ve put together some facts about assisted living, its benefits, and how it can help those who need it to live a full life.

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Assisted living communities offer many benefits. On one hand, your loved one will be getting the help and care they need, and on the other, you’ll have peace of mind that they’re safe and well taken care of.

Improved Safety and Security 

Assisted living communities are aware of the unique safety risks that older adults face and are designed with these in mind. For example, older adults are prone to falling, which can be life-threatening. Because of this, these communities have preventive measures in place such as assistive handrails, zero-entry showers, resident GPS-monitored personal alert buttons, and clutter-free policies to mitigate risk.Assisted living communities also have protocols in place to protect residents in the face of emergencies such as natural disasters and safety threats.

Social Enrichment 

Assisted living can be a great way to prevent loneliness and isolation, which has serious negative impacts on your mental and physical health and is a major risk factor for depression and other mental illnesses.Choosing a community that focuses on resident enrichment and relationship building is key, as these communities understand how important socialization and fulfilling activities are to the well-being of older adults.Many communities provide opportunities for their residents to get involved, socialize, and build lasting relationships by hosting different events, classes, and activities.

Reliable Care 

Along with providing mental enrichment and safety, assisted living is designed to help seniors prioritize their physical health. Many communities offer fitness programs, exercise classes, and healthy dining options. Residents will also get help managing any chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more.Assisted living communities offer access to 24-hour care and assistance, with trained professionals there to help with various daily tasks, such as:

• Shopping 
• Cooking and meal preparation 
• Bathing
• Cleaning
• Dressing
• Grooming 
• Making doctor’s appointments
• Remembering to take medications

Various Services and Amenities

Assisted living communities offer different types of amenities and services to their residents, such as:

• Transportation to doctor’s appointments, and local events and attractions 
• Barbershops or salons
• Swimming pools
• On-site wellness centers 
• Casual and fine dining options 
• Housekeeping
• Room service
• 24-hour emergency response systems, and more.

When Is It Time To Look Into Assisted Living? 

Whether you’re thinking about assisted living for yourself one day or considering it for a parent or loved one, it can be challenging to discern when it’s the right time.Telltale signs that it’s time to consider assisted living include:

• Increasing safety concerns and risk of falling 
• Escalating care and assistance needs 
• Cognitive changes, such as memory issues 
• Declining physical and mental medical conditions
• Isolation and loneliness

Consider the above points and keep them in mind the next time you talk to or spend time with your loved one. If you notice any changes, concerning behaviors, or indications that they may benefit from additional assistance, it may be time to consider assisted living.

How to Talk to a Loved One About Assisted Living 

Assisted living can immensely improve your loved one’s well-being and quality of life. However, it can be difficult to navigate a conversation with them about assisted living.Make sure you:

• Assess their current living situation and abilities
• Include the necessary family members in the conversation
• Ask them questions about their current and future living plans, concerns, and wishes
• Seek professional counseling to navigate the situation, if needed 

Keep compassion, care, and support at the forefront of the conversation — letting them know that you’re coming from a place of love and care for their happiness and comfort. Having a conversation and enabling them to be part of deciding their future living plans can make all the difference.

How “Compassion, Community, Caring” Ties Into Anchin Assisted Living at Aviva 

Aviva Senior Living is a not-for-profit senior living community that doesn’t require buy-in. We provide a wide selection of amenities and services that enrich our resident’s lives.Anchin Assisted Living has been recognized, endorsed, and accredited by various institutions. Anchin Assisted Living won the 2021 Best of Sarasota award, is QAPI-accredited, and has been found to be Deficiency free since 2019 by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.At Aviva, we give our residents the independence they want but the compassionate care they need. We offer a full continuum of care, which means that residents who need different levels of care are able to age in place seamlessly and benefit from care that caters to their specific needs as they change.Contact us today to see if Aviva is the right place for you or your loved one.