ABC's of Assisted Living

If you have not yet downloaded our newest free resource, "The ABC's of Assisted Living," you are missing out on a fabulous guide to senior living!

If you are a caregiver exploring senior living options for your loved one, or perhaps looking into the possibility of making a move to an assisted living community yourself, then this guide was written with you in mind!

For professionals working in the medical field with clients or patients who may need a bit more assistance with their daily routine or are looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle….this was written for you as well!

Discussing a different topic for each letter of the alphabet, this e-book describes what to look for when searching for an assisted living community, and offers advice, opinions, and comments on just about every aspect of life. Take a quick look at life in one of our UMH communities by reading an excerpt from the e-book…

Beginning with the letter A, explore the value and benefits of Activities in an assisted living community….

A is for Activities

The words of C. S. Lewis ring true in the activities programs at UMH:

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Activity programs are the heartbeat of our communities.

They encompass our belief that everyone has the right and the need to live each day in a meaningful and enjoyable way. It is in these groups or activities that friendships are formed, talents expressed and new skills are learned. Our residents’ input is an integral part of our planning process.

It is also with intentionality that we have created a staff of professionals with varied backgrounds and talents. Volunteers are greatly valued and utilized within our programs and family engagement is always encouraged. We always seek to enhance the opportunities and experiences we offer our residents.

What could be a better way to start the day than with a fun and upbeat exercise program, specially designed for individuals with varying abilities? And that is just the beginning of what you would see in any one of our communities each day. Throughout the day residents are encouraged to engage in life enriching activities which include opportunities to express their creativity, ignite a past desire or interest or learn a new skill.

Stop by one of our communities and you might see an engaged group of seniors observing a spotted white owl who might be visiting for the day. Or perhaps you might hear the beautiful music of the residents’ own bell choir, performing for their family members. We encourage laughter, engagement, creative expression and an opportunity to create meaningful relationships within all of our programs.

At UMH, we believe in the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Nothing is more rewarding or true to those words than to hear one of our ninety-year “young” residents say at the end of the day, “I have not had so much fun in years!”

About the Author

Joan Jakiela, Professor Emeritus of Therapeutic Recreation & Gerontology at Manchester Community College, began working for Middlewoods of Farmington in May of 2012. Since then, she has been instrumental in creating a strong working relationship between Middlewoods of Farmington and the college’s Therapeutic Recreation program, which connects many students with internship and volunteer opportunities at the community. Joan continues to teach at Manchester Community College, presents at conferences on the topics of aging and the benefits of engaging residents in meaningful activities, and happily continues to work part-time in the Activities Department at Middlewoods of Farmington.