Assisted living communities with wellness lifestyle offerings find higher resident satisfaction, from exercise programs to various social activities. They are also more attractive to potential new residents and families seeking quality care for their loved ones.
Creating successful wellness programs takes time and requires a commitment from staff members. But the benefits are well worth it:
Physical Activity
Exercise is essential to senior wellness, as it helps strengthen muscles and prevent falls. Assisted living in Orlando should promote physical activity by offering group exercise programs that are adaptable for seniors with different needs and mobility. This includes walking groups, seated exercises, and yoga classes.
Incorporating standing activities like using standing tables for card games, puzzles, and board games is another way to encourage movement. Taking residents on outings to local parks and shopping malls can also increase the time spent on active activities.
Many older adults are plagued by stress, which a sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate. Incorporating meditation classes, yoga sessions, and mindfulness practices into wellness programming can help seniors learn to cope with these issues. By learning to reduce their anxiety, seniors can improve their overall health and mood. Moreover, by being a part of a community that promotes these practices, they feel empowered at a time when many things can seem out of their control.
Nutrition
Incorporating wellness programs into assisted living communities ensures residents receive adequate nutrition. Seniors with mobility issues may find it difficult to chew or swallow, so a well-rounded nutritional program that offers texture-modified meals can help them enjoy delicious meals.
Wellness activities also keep seniors active, preventing them from becoming sedentary and socially isolated, which can contribute to poor health. A community’s wellness program often includes fitness classes, group exercise, and even swimming or walking.
A well-rounded wellness program that includes these elements makes your facility more attractive to potential residents and increases overall resident satisfaction. Moreover, these initiatives allow seniors to live in a way that maximizes happiness and engagement with others, reducing the need for staff support. As a result, you can significantly lower your facility’s overhead expenses. This is particularly important in the current era of increased healthcare costs. The right wellness programs can help your company stay on budget.
Social Interaction
Social interaction is crucial for human well-being, especially as we age. It builds relationships, fosters communication and conflict resolution, helps individuals develop a sense of self-worth, and transforms communities into cohesive societies.
Many assisted living facilities host a variety of wellness activities for residents to interact with each other, from group exercise classes to organized community gatherings. Adding social events open to family members and friends also enhances interaction and allows residents to build deeper connections with the people around them.
Many retirement communities provide scheduled transportation services to take older adults to their doctor’s appointments and other local health-related locations, ensuring they never miss a necessary checkup or treatment due to transportation limitations. Additionally, some communities offer in-house and offsite wellness education to help seniors learn how to prevent health issues before they arise. Incorporating these programs into their resident experience can boost a facility’s appeal to potential new residents and increase the retention rate of existing residents.
Routine Health Check-Ups
Health check-ups are a vital aspect of wellness programs in assisted living communities. They enable residents to keep their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within healthy ranges. They also provide a platform for healthcare providers to screen seniors for various diseases and offer essential immunizations like flu shots and pneumonia vaccines.
A study published in 2021 found that general health checks were associated with increased cancer screening, improved detection of chronic conditions such as depression and high blood pressure, moderate improvements in controlling risk factors for heart disease, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, and better self-rated health. However, they were not linked to reduced mortality and cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes.
Senior living facilities can boost residential sign-ups and reduce move-out rates by offering these programs. In addition, the programs will make the facility more attractive to prospective seniors. Incentives such as competitions, recognition, and public health campaigns can encourage participation.