The term assisted living is sometimes confused with nursing home or viewed as an institutionalized setting with lack of proper care. However, this does not hold true for most senior living communities in the Central Florida region. If you are thinking about assisted living or just want to take a tour to understand the many benefits offered, one of the key aspects to look for is how often they plan activities, or ask to see their activity schedule. Ensuring your loved one feels most comfortable when transitioning into senior living is top priority. By introducing them to new, old or familiar social activities, your loved one can feel more at ease knowing there is plenty to do and experience.

Here are 10 examples of engaging activities that are great to include and even suggest for your loved one’s senior living community:

Root Beer float/Milkshake Bar

In honor of National Ice Cream Soda Day and Vanilla Milkshake Day, plan a mini afternoon party full of floats and fun while creating a buffet style of different ice creams and soda so they can create their own!

Wine & Cheese Pairing

Who doesn’t love a nice Chianti and smoked gouda to fully embrace the taste?

Karaoke Night

Host a karaoke night and invite friends and family over. They’ll have fun singing their favorite songs while enjoying each other’s company.

Gardening

Some communities set aside an area outside or have large backyards for gardening accessible to residents even those with walkers and wheelchairs. Involving them with each season’s plantings and care will go a long way towards making it feel like home. Plus, the residents that love to garden would enjoy being a part of the whole process of designing, planting, and caring for the garden.

Pet Therapy

Most assisted living communities partner with a pet therapy program that will bring in furry friends for the residents to interact with. This activity usually becomes a resident favorite as statistics shown it drastically reduces depression and increases endorphins.

Book Club

Choose a book to read every month and have the residents gather to discuss. If your loved one enjoys reading, this is great to keep their mind engaged and socialize with others. If you are having trouble picking out a book, you can always follow Girly Book Club’s monthly book choice and read along.

Local Live Bands/Entertainment

Invite local entertainment from groups like schools, churches, performing choirs and small local brands to brighten their days.

Outings

While this is a very broad statement, most senior living communities offer an abundance of outing opportunities that range from local events, holiday related gatherings such as viewing Christmas lights and pumpkin patches, restaurants, theme parks, mystery dinners and much more!

Cruise

The fancier and more luxurious communities plan an annual cruise for their residents…sign me up!

Nail Fun

Who doesn’t love a nice manicure and pedicure? Women and some of the men can really benefit from these services. Usually, the staff or some of the families can provide this or you can even invite students at a local beauty school to practice.

Interested in touring a senior living community in Central Florida to find the perfect fit for your loved one? Contact North Star Senior Advisors or call us today 407-499-8274 to schedule a no-obligation, complimentary tour with one of our experienced, Certified Dementia Practitioners