Page 45 - BusinessWest December 22, 2021
P. 45

 for Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing in Spring- field, when a person needs medical attention in a skilled-nursing set- ting, activities remain
an essential factor in the patient’s recovery.
“Activities definitely help patients by encour- aging the kind of wellness behaviors that contribute to the healing process,” she said.
Meanwhile, in settings such as assisted living, the level of functioning varies from person to person. Moran said she likes to have everyone together because it creates a dynamic in which people of different levels of func- tion help each other with activities or just daily life.
“Our high-functioning residents enjoy helping people in wheelchairs or those who need help in
ties now aim to incorporate exercise so they can combine something fun with meeting a patient’s rehab needs at the same time.
“When setting up the calendar, we make sure to include plenty of wellness activities, whether they are emotional, physical, social, reminiscing, basically anything that helps memory or keeps people physically active,” Todd said. They also insert fun social activities such as a happy hour with an entertainer. “We strive for feel-good activ- ities as well as ones that promote healing.”
Physical and social activities are certainly not
“
we make sure to include plenty of wellness activities, whether they are emotional, physical, social, reminiscing, basically anything that helps memory or keeps people physically active.
limited to schedules on a calendar. Cornwell dis- cussed how the actions of a resident leaving their apartment, walking down the hall, perhaps tak- ing an elevator, and then walking to the dining area all contribute to physical activity. Once they arrive, they sit with a friend or neighbor and then engage in conversation, which adds to their social experience.
When setting up the calendar,
      Residents at the Arbors in Chicopee participate in an outdoor drumming circle.
”
  keep moving and engaging as part of their daily routine.
“The activities our residents take part in are
all geared to keeping these skills a part of their everyday life,” Cornwell said. “When they begin
to struggle with a skill, we step in and help them find a different way to succeed. We work very hard to be a failure-free environment.”
According to Lori Todd, executive director
some other way,” she told BusinessWest. “For the person who functions on a higher level, it gives them a sense of purpose.”
Much More Than Bingo
In the past, senior-living activities usually con- centrated on gathering for bingo. While bingo remains popular, Todd said many group activi-
ating life’s
We make senior
living simple.
   Finding and understanding senior living options can be overwhelming and confusing. Oasis
Senior Advisors is here to help, because the right place means everything.
s’efil gnitagivaN
 Discuss financial options, location and preferences Provide a personalized list of local housing options
Set up and tour communities with you
Once the right place is selected, we make transitions easy!
  Call for a free in-depth consultation today!
Eric Aasheim | 413-351-6577 Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
[email protected]
Serving Western Mass and Surrounding Areas OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/WesternMass
     Enhanced Living at The Inn
 Spacious apartment homes for
independent seniors seeking a supportive environment
    lathrop.kendal.org | 413-437-5380
A Not-for-Profit Community Serving Older Adults in the Quaker Tradition.
 Navig
  BUSINESS OF AGING
DECEMBER 22, 2021 45
BusinessWest























































   43   44   45   46   47