How often do you get to spend quality time with loved ones? If you're often isolated at home, it may be time to move into an environment where socialization is more accessible.
Research shows that social isolation may increase the risk of mental health problems, cognitive decline, and even certain physical health problems. The inverse is also true: more social time can support better health outcomes.
How can an assisted living community in Kalamazoo, MI support socialization for residents? What should you look for in an active community?
Read on for our guide to the kinds of social activities for seniors to look for in assisted living.
One of the easiest ways to meet your neighbors and make new friends is to attend events and activities organized by community staff members. As you look at different Kalamazoo senior living options, be sure to learn more about each community's activity calendar to find a good fit.
What kind of events and activities can you expect from socially active communities? Examples include (but aren't limited to):
Great assisted living programs seek to meet a diverse range of interests and passions to bring residents together.
Though your private quarters may have a full kitchen or kitchenette, you can still enjoy chef-prepared meals three times a day.
The primary purpose of an assisted living dining program is to ensure that you're eating balanced, healthy, and delicious meals each day. However, dining programs are also another way that assisted living encourages an active social life.
You can order meals to be delivered to your apartment or you can eat in the communal dining room, where you'll find many of your neighbors. Sharing a meal with other residents is a great way to add social time to each day.
Residents in senior living in Kalamazoo don't have to wait for staff-facilitated activities to socialize with friends and neighbors. Unless they're already reserved for another use, common areas are always available for gatherings.
A variety of lounges and outdoor seating areas provide great backdrops for club meetings. We encourage residents to form clubs around their interests and hobbies, such as:
Retirement is a great time to pursue your passions. Starting a club is a great way to turn your pastimes into bonding moments.
Spending time in nature is a great way to relax and unwind. Having easy access to outdoor spaces can also encourage active lifestyles, and many seniors enjoy getting outside as a group.
At LakeHouse Kalamazoo, seniors can stroll around the campus grounds or sip coffee on one of our many patio areas. They can also schedule transportation to get out into the wider community.
Plan a trip to the West Lake Nature Preserve or take a hike near the Kalamazoo river. Kalamazoo offers no shortage of walking trails and natural scenery that residents can enjoy.
An active lifestyle is an important part of prolonged senior health. Maintaining or increasing your physical activity can support better heart health, mental health, and more.
Many seniors face the challenge of exercising with specific health concerns or physical disabilities. This can cause discouragement and even decrease safety without proper supervision.
Look for an assisted living community that offers wellness programs as a community amenity. Joining a group class is a great way to make exercise more fun. Plus, staff members can provide accommodations and modifications to ensure that your exercise practice is safe.
We mentioned transportation services briefly, but they deserve a spotlight. Seniors often associate transportation services with necessities like doctor's appointments. What you may not realize is that many communities allow residents to use them for pleasure, as well.
For example, residents who want to spend a day shopping can organize a group trip. Seniors who love to try new food can arrange transportation to local restaurants.
Using community transport is a great way to liven up your club. The occasional field trip is a surefire way to attract new members.
Building a community for seniors in MI starts with dedicated staff members working in assisted living communities. Depending on your level of care, staff members can help with tasks like:
In spite of all their practical responsibilities, the staff members have one job that prevails above all others: creating meaningful relationships with residents. In addition to assistance with ADLs, staff members provide consistent companionship. They also ensure that residents are able to attend all on-campus events and programs they want to.
There are boundless opportunities for in-person socialization in assisted living communities. What if you want to keep up with loved ones who live far away?
Many communities are equipped with WiFi in both common areas and private quarters. This makes it easy to video chat with friends and family members when in-person visits aren't an option. For seniors who don't have a smartphone or tablet, there are a few devices that can make video chatting simple.
Plus, your loved ones are always welcome to join in on the fun. Many activities and meals are open to friends and family members of residents.
With the right assisted living community in Kalamazoo, MI, you can expect to enjoy a thriving social life. From communal dining to scheduled events and beyond, there's always an opportunity to get together with neighbors and friends.
LakeHouse Kalamazoo is proud to offer both assisted living and respite care to our local seniors. Our residents and their family members rave about the commitment our staff members show to their work. When you live at LakeHouse Kalamazoo, you're instantly part of the family.
Contact us to schedule a tour or learn more about our community.