Assisted Living in Summerville, SC: How Seniors Stay Social and Connected
Seniors in assisted living can feel a sense of connection by spending time with others in common spaces, sharing meals, and participating in fun group activities and events.
According to Consumer Affairs, around 1.4% of seniors live in assisted living communities in the U.S. While there are many ways that assisted living can be useful for seniors, one of the best benefits is that it allows them to stay social and connected to others. Seniors living in assisted living in Summerville, SC, located just outside Charleston, experience great social connections as part of the living arrangement.
What Can Lonely Seniors Do?
Many seniors suffer from mental health problems as they get older, and among these is loneliness and isolation. According to the University of Michigan, one in three people aged 50 to 80 self-report that they suffer from feelings of loneliness.
At least part of the solution for loneliness is clear, although not always easy, and that's to connect with others more. Seniors who want to experience greater social connection should seek out new bonds and work to strengthen existing ones.
When seniors move into a senior living community, one of the things they find is that it's very easy to meet like-minded seniors. They can form strong social bonds while spending time together in the community in a variety of different ways.
Whether living at home or in a senior living community, participating in activities with others and sharing more moments together can go a long way toward defeating mental health problems and feelings of loneliness.
How Do You Reduce Social Isolation in the Elderly?
So, how do seniors spend time with others and reduce social isolation in senior assisted living communities? Here are some of the ways assisted living can help with senior isolation prevention.
Shared Spaces and Amenities
In community life in assisted living, seniors will get access to a lot of common shared spaces and amenities beyond their private apartment.
Spending time in these spaces together can help seniors get to know each other and become more comfortable with each other. Seniors will see other seniors and talk to them repeatedly. Over time, authentic bonds and Lowcountry senior connections can grow.
Some of the shared amenities and common spaces you'll find at senior living include:
- A private courtyard and community garden
- Restaurant-style dining
- A professional beauty salon and barber shop
- A game room
- In-house religious services
Shared Meals
In addition to sharing other common spaces, seniors in assisted living have the opportunity to dine together and enjoy the three meals plus snacks they get each day.
A dining room is a great spot to have interesting and engaging conversations. Seniors have a great time getting to know each other while enjoying the delicious and nutritious meals that are available in a senior living community such as TerraBella Summerville.
Activities Calendar
Perhaps the best way that seniors can stay social and connected in TerraBella Summerville assisted living is by joining in on the many activities that are available on a daily basis.
Quality senior living communities such as TerraBella Summerville featurefull activity calendars filled with activities, recreational opportunities, and social events that seniors can take part in and enjoy. When participating in TerraBella Summerville programs alongside neighbors and other seniors, seniors in assisted living can connect with others and experience the benefits of staying social in aging.
How Long Does It Take for a Person to Adjust to Assisted Living?
Every individual is different, and it takes some seniors either a shorter or longer amount of time to adjust to assisted living. It commonly takes seniors between three and six months to adjust.
A senior who moves into assisted living will have to get used to the staff as well as new routines and the changes in their lifestyle. Seniors who keep a great attitude, are positive about the transition, and who have plenty of family support will likely have an easier time.
It will also likely be easier for a senior to make the adjustment to a high-quality, welcoming senior living community than to a community that leaves a lot to be desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Tell When an Elderly Person Is Declining?
There are a variety of signs that you can look for to determine whether an elderly person is declining either physically, mentally, or behaviorally. Take note if a senior is getting confused easily or failing to manage daily tasks on their own.
Some of the key signs to look out for include:
- Mental confusion
- Disorientation
- Memory loss
- Problems managing medications
- Personality changes
- Commonly avoiding social activities
- A decrease in mobility
- Changes in sleep patterns
If you begin to notice these signs, you may want to take action. It might be time for the senior to start living in an assisted living community.
How Often Should You Visit Someone in Assisted Living?
Deciding how often to visit a loved one in assisted living is a personal choice. If you live nearby, then it's a good idea to visit a senior in assisted living at least once a week. If you live further away, then it may be ideal to visit each one to three months instead.
Remember that the best thing is to visit on a regular basis. Planning visits on a regular schedule can be very beneficial and easier to make a part of a routine. It's a good idea to monitor a senior carefully and adjust based on their needs.
For even more contact with your loved one, consider using technology such as email, social media, or video calls and phone calls to connect with them regularly.
Staying Social in Assisted Living in Summerville, SC
Moving into assisted living in Summerville, SC, can be a great choice for seniors and can lead to a more satisfying social life. Seniors in assisted living can become more connected to others thanks to common spaces, shared meals, and activities.
TerraBella Summerville is an excellent choice for seniors in need of assisted living and memory care. With a variety of on-site amenities, daily chef-prepared meals, a full calendar of engaging activities, and comfortable senior apartments, seniors love living at TerraBella Summerville.
Contact us today to discover more about what our welcoming, pet-friendly community has to offer seniors in South Carolina.