An active social life is one of the greatest aspects of enjoying one’s life. Finding activities and hobbies that are an extension of an individual’s personality brings some of the greatest satisfaction to the personal life. Interpersonal relationships are equally important, and having the opportunity to connect with neighbors and relish friendships is a desire most every human being desires.
Life Care Centers of America understands that a key component to an individual’s health is the need for a quality social life. When an individual or family member moves into a retirement, assisted living or long-term care setting, it does not mean that opportunities for interaction and fulfillment will be limited.
Quite the contrary.
Each facility strives to provide activities programs for residents that will meet their needs for social activity and interpersonal connection. Centers are staffed with activities directors who oversee activities programs and planning. Each month, a calendar of events is created and posted within each facility as well as distributed to family members, who are encouraged to participate in the events with their loved ones.
Activity programs can include creative activities from painting and music to physical activity and socials. Many Life Care centers host shopping trips and outings to local areas of interest. Red Hat Society gatherings have become increasingly popular for female residents, and some centers have launched Red Suspenders clubs for the men. These gatherings often include trips into the community for a meal at a restaurant and, most importantly, promote friendships.
Some buildings plan events that will enfold community members into their residents’ lives throughout the year. Recently, during National Nursing Home Week, May 13-19, 2007, centers across America hosted daily activities including Western dress-up days, a Hawaiian luau, Mardi Gras celebrations and car shows. One location hosted the mascot from their local AAA baseball team for a pie-throwing contest. At the end of the day, residents and associates alike were all smiles as a result of the fun.
Holidays are always a great time for family members and the community to get involved with activities. Parties and opportunities to receive guests from the community surround all major holidays. From Mother’s Day teas to Easter egg decorating contests to celebrating Christmas in a variety of ways, families are encouraged to come and be part of the fun.
One way residents, families, associates and volunteers alike get involved during the Christmas season is through Operation Christmas Child sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham. Since 1995, Life Care Centers of America has worked with Samaritan’s Purse to give love, joy and a gift to disadvantaged children during the Christmas season.
Life Care centers in the greater Chattanooga area all serve annually as collection points for the shoe box gifts. Associates and volunteers team together in fundraising drives that raise money to purchase items to fill shoe boxes with gifts and personal toiletry items. Often residents and associates from Life Care centers nationwide together prepare shoe box gifts to be sent around the world.
“Those residents and associates who choose to participate in this noble activity,” said Life Care President Beecher Hunter, “represent the heart and soul of what Christmas is all about: To love, serve and give selflessly as Christ did.”
This year’s Operation Christmas Child shoe box drive will officially kick off in September and continue through November 2007. During that time, residents of Life Care centers will prove that an active social life is not only about doing, but giving.