September is the Time to Celebrate Assisted Living
With
all that is going on around us, it is more important than ever to let
our senior loved ones in assisted
living know they are dearly loved and not forgotten as well as to
thank the dedicated staffs of our area’s communities. National
Assisted Living Week®,
an annual event each September, does
just that by celebrating and recognizing the role assisted living
plays in caring for American seniors and those with disabilities.
Established
by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, National
Assisted Living Week is the opportunity for assisted living
communities around the country “to offer a variety of events and
activities to celebrate the individuals they serve, as well as to
help educate members of the public about this distinctive aspect of
long term care.” By setting aside a week, the NCAL explains it
provides a chance for residents, their families, staff, volunteers,
and the larger community to honor those who live and work in assisted
living. This year’s event starts on Sunday, September 13th,
and coincidently falls on National Grandparents’ Day, which is
observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Even
though this year’s celebration will be different than other years
as many assisted living communities are discouraging visits or have
stopped visitations altogether, there are still things we can do to
let our seniors know they are loved. One idea is to surprise your
loved one with something special each day that week such as preparing
a home-cooked meal, making a CD of their favorite songs, or pampering
them with a basket of gourmet foods or scented soaps and lotions.
When
visits are not possible; stay connected by scheduling regular
Facetime, Skype, or phone calls as well as sending updated family
pics and news about their grandkids. Also remember not all seniors
have families so think about starting an adopt-a-grandparent program
like an Early Childhood PTA in Ohio did who have had their children
send crafts, cards and letters throughout the quarantine to brighten
a senior’s day at a local assisted
living community.
Do
not forget to show your appreciation to the hardworking
staff who has stepped up to the challenges of keeping your loved
one safe. Keep in mind some communities do not allow staff to
receive gifts over a certain value so check with management. However
your gratitude is always welcomed by a thank-you note, a framed
picture to a favorite caregiver of them and your parent, flowers, or
coffee and treats for all.
MorningStar
at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our
distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”
Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and
selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home”
for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest
senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines has to offer.
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