The social landscape of assisted living communities has evolved over the last few decades, paving the way for a new way of life for residents. Staff members can help facilitate meaningful connections between residents, leading to happier residents and higher levels of overall satisfaction. The benefits of social interaction in seniors are tremendous and can even improve cognitive health!

As people get older, there is often a lack of social interaction opportunities with the elderly as they tend to spend more time at home. Assisted living communities can create a sense of camaraderie among their residents in a variety of ways. With varied interactions and a bustling social calendar, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our community, usually just steps from the resident’s front door.

Cultivating a Sense of Belonging

At Windsor Estates, we know how important it is for our residents to feel at home with us. We support our assisted living residents by offering diverse educational, social and physical activities catered to seniors. By offering a mixture of these happenings, our calendar appeals to a wide range of interests and life experiences. While many residents may enjoy an activity that they have participated in for years, others may be excited to try their hand at a new pursuit or hobby.

It may seem difficult to encourage residents to attend events, and we know that there are negative effects to social isolation. Some may experience social anxiety about meeting new people, so our team members encourage residents to participate in any activity that interests them.

What are some activities or events that can bring residents together?

With a well-rounded emphasis on senior activities, residents can be motivated to utilize their mental, social and physical abilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle while aging. Activities, such as light group exercise classes, can help keep physical wellness in check. These activities stimulate the natural release of serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which can improve moods in seniors.

Cognitive skills in older adults can be flexed with board and card games, while social events, such as birthday parties, can encourage camaraderie between neighbors. Additionally, artistic ventures for senior citizens, such as art and music therapy, can generate creative ideas and spark imaginations, working to boost memory, processing speeds and problem-solving skills.

For new residents, making a friend can be one of the easiest ways to connect with the community. While making new friends can be scary no matter how young or old you are, having official (or unofficial!) community ambassadors can help bridge the gap between senior citizens looking to socialize and become a part of the community.

Community ambassadors can be employees who touch base with residents to see how they are doing, or they can be friendly residents who make friends with everyone! Never underestimate the power of a personal, genuine connection to ease discomfort or loneliness within the senior housing community.

How can staff members contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment?

We really do have the most compassionate and amazing team at Windsor Estates. To ensure residents feel connected and included in our assisted living facility, our team is always looking for ways to personalize senior care. From learning about the individual’s preferences to their likes and dislikes, these interpersonal connections with our residents allow us to provide comfort and security to individuals every day, easing loneliness and reducing social isolation.

We are always looking for new ways to incorporate fun into our retirement community! Team members enjoy planning and participating in events and forming genuine connections with every resident. Through personal chats, social engagements and even a passing wave in the hallway, we show our appreciation and care for residents throughout the day. We are committed to making sure every resident knows that they are valued in our community, and we are here to make their residency comfortable and enjoyable.

When it comes to establishing a sense of belonging in the community, maintaining transparent communication is paramount. At Windsor Estates, we encourage the free flow of ideas and feedback with residents and families every step of the way. We work to make sure that our residents are secure, valued and heard by every member of the team.

How can family members or friends play a role in helping their loved ones feel at home in assisted living?

Family members play an integral role in helping their loved ones connect with their new long-term care community. They can often help ease the transition by encouraging interactions with others, attending friends and family events with their loved ones, and offering suggestions to the team on how to appeal to the seniors’ interests and hobbies. It’s a team effort to ensure that every resident enjoys their time in our community, and we have found that with family feedback, our residents are happier, healthier and more content with their surroundings.

We invite you and your family members to visit us at Windsor Estates and schedule a tour of our beautiful community. You will notice the exceptional difference in care in our neighborhoods ­– from the caring staff to the bustling social event calendar and a warm welcome from everyone on our team. Windsor Estates is so much more than just a place to live – it’s a place for senior citizens to truly call home.