This week we are focusing on the dual benefit of having a team of professionals caring for residents and residents caring for each other in an Assisted Living. The benefit of developing connections and friendships with other people is a primary need of humanity; to not address this would be to neglect one of the key benefits of living in an Assisted Living.
Those who work in the healthcare industry often have a natural calling, an automatic desire to serve and show compassion to those around them. This caring attitude includes not only residents but also co-workers and families. And those drawn to working in senior communities are typically passionate about helping older individuals, and the unique challenges aging brings.
It is disheartening for all of us to see a parent or loved one we have adored all our lives lose the ability to have the independence they once had. Although the elderly certainly don’t lose all independence, some mobility and independence do become progressively less due to physical health or cognitive issues with age.
Living in an Assisted Living not only allows the caregivers to do what they enjoy by giving back through caring, but many times the residents reciprocate that caring attitude to other residents and staff.
The sense of fulfillment each of us gains from social interaction with others can be summed up in the following gratifications:
- In general, helping others feels good.
- Caring for each other creates a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Being a part of each other’s lives brings perspective to the aging process.
- Helping and socializing with others can help you live longer.
- Caring for others often brings a feeling of renewal.
- Having purpose boosts your self-esteem.
- Caring for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.
- Interacting with each other keeps depression at bay or a minimum.
- Interacting with each other inspires us to want to be better.
The joy we receive from caring and being cared for contributes to a better quality of life. These gratification statements are just a few thoughts to consider when determining the care needs of a loved one.