National Assisted Living Week

The National Center for Assisted Living established National Assisted Living Week in 1995 to raise awareness about the role that assisted living plays in caring for seniors.  Across the country, facilities celebrate the week with special events for residents, their families and friends, and staff members.  This year’s theme is “Keep Connected,” highlighting the many ways that residents can stay in touch and involved with the world through technology.  When seniors are able to communicate through social media,they can keep up with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they can catch up with longtime friends and they are able to research topics on health and wellness or any other interests.

“Keep Connected” also refers to the personal, face-to-face relationships that are so important to seniors.  Assisted Living staffers often become “family members” to the residents.  Those staff members spend much of their waking hours caring for residents both physically and emotionally.  Not only do they “keep connected” to residents, they are also the bridge to family members and supply valuable communication so all parties feel at ease.

Finally, “keep connected” refers to the connections between staffers and residents, and the local community: public officials, homeowners in the area, organizations and local business owners.  Assisted Living residents are an important and valuable part of each community. Residents who are involved in their community have a fuller, more well-balanced and purposeful life.

All Abbington Assisted Living facilities in and around Columbus will celebrate National Assisted Living Week with special events and theme days.  Call for a tour of the facility nearest you or your loved one.  Let the staff know how much they are appreciated. Visit a loved one living in an assisted living facility or a resident that you don’t know.  The week will begin on September 11, which is National Grandparent’s Day and end on Saturday, September 17.