National Assisted Living Week (NALW) kicked off on Sunday, Sept. 9 and will continue through Saturday, Sept. 15. The national observance—which begins each year on National Grandparents Day—honors the individuals served, as well as the individuals who serve, in assisted living and residential care communities across the nation with special activities and events.   

The annual observance inspires assisted living communities around the country to offer a variety of events and activities to bring residents, staff and volunteers together, as well as to help educate members of the public. Due to the theme’s reference to photography, participants are encouraged to take and share pictures or videos, with patient consent, throughout the week. Members of the public are encouraged to visit an assisted living community to volunteer or learn more about this distinct aspect of long term care.

Locally, The LaFollette Court Assisted Living is celebrating the week daily with an open house for the community from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tours of the facility are available during this time. The residents will celebrate throughout the week as well. Robin Baird, Activities Director, has planned Bingo and some area singers will be coming in for the residents to enjoy during this week.

The facility offers private rooms with private bathrooms, three meals a day with snacks. On Sunday, residents can attend a Sunday school class or the church service at 2 pm. Birthdays are celebrated once a month with a group birthday party. We feel this is the easy life for the elderly, because they deserve it, said Rhonda Graves, administrator. The facility is family owned and operated and fully licensed in the state of Tennessee.

Created by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, NALW this year asks participants to “Capture the Moment.” The theme aims to remind assisted living staff to focus on the everyday interactions with residents that can ensure high quality, person-centered care.

“National Assisted Living Week allows us to celebrate the incredible contributions of assisted living communities in providing life-affirming care to millions of Americans,” said Scott Tittle, Executive Director of NCAL. “Caregivers often know the little things that help make each resident feel special, and communities offer enriching programming to meet residents’ holistic needs.”

Additionally, the theme hopes to inspire residents to seize the day while simultaneously, supports reflection upon the pivotal moments in residents’ lives.

“‘Capture the Moment’ reminds us to focus on the things that give our lives purpose, to be present in the here and now, and to be grateful for every moment,” said Tittle. “No matter the health or age of an assisted living resident, and no matter the pressures of a caregiver, we all have something to give each and every day.”  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/11/2018-6AM)

 

 

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