By Neal R. Davis, SeniorExecutive Director, Bay Square at Yarmouth, Benchmark Assisted Living
What’s it like in Assisted Living? Imagine it’s spring, the trees are starting to bud, the peepers are celebrating the warming of the water, and you join a group of neighbors on the community van to take in the local flower show. The Activities Director parks the van near the entrance and assists you in getting out of the van. Sharing the experience of the flower show, the scents, the colors and the sounds of fountains splashing with your fellow residents make the day that much more enjoyable. Knowing that parking, driving, and getting lunch is taken care of makes the time much more relaxing and fun.
Fast forward to summertime, with the flowerbeds in bloom, the umbrella-covered patio tables are providing shade, and the smell of freshly cut grass scenting the air. A cookout is being served both inside and outside your home by the dining room staff. Your family has joined you today to share this time, and your grandkids are enjoying the lawn and the other children who are visiting. After lunch, you retire to your air-conditioned apartment to relax before taking the community van to your afternoon doctor’s appointment. An aide reminds you that the appointment is at 3:30 so you need to be ready to go by 3:00.
The leaves are starting to turn, the morning air is crisp, and the coffee in the dining room smells hot and inviting. The hostess seats you at a table with three other friends, brings you a cup of coffee and takes your order. You discuss the results of the card game the evening before and make plans to take part in an exercise class after breakfast. On the way out of the dining room you check the day’s schedule of activities and note that a doctor will be speaking in the community room at 2:20 about allergies and means of treating them. The Director of Resident Services checks with you to see if you need any assistance with your shower and reminds you that the blood pressure clinic will be open at 1:30pm. Your daughter calls to see how you are doing and reminds you that your granddaughter will be joining your for lunch. It’s going to be a busy day!
Imagine coming home on a winter’s day, the parking lot and walks are sanded and salted, you are chilled and you can’t wait to go inside. A welcoming living room with a blazing fire in the fireplace, a pot of coffee in the country kitchen, and people greeting you with smiles and cheerful comments, lets you know that everything is alright with your world. After going to your apartment, which has been cleaned by housekeeping that morning, freshening up, you join your neighbors for a social hour and piano music.
You talk about your day, share stories about grandchildren, and look forward to sitting down for dinner with friends and relaxing over dessert.
And you ask why assisted living is so popular? Living in an assisted living community, being involved as much as you want and sharing experiences with family members and new-found friends can go a long way toward improving your quality of life. Knowing the activities of daily living, such as cooking and cleaning, are taken care of lessens any worries you may have about taking care of yourself. Finally, peace of mind that comes when you know that if you need help, no matter what time of day or night, someone will be there to help is priceless. Experiencing this peace of mind is just one of the many reasons assisted living is so popular.