Moving your senior loved one to a senior living community is a big decision. You may feel guilty that you’re no longer able to care for them. And they may feel nervous about leaving their home and meeting new people. Judi Parisi, Activities Director at The Arbors at Dracut understands these feelings. “One of the favorite parts of my job is interviewing each new resident when they move in. We ask them where they came from, what kind of activities they enjoy and any interests they have.” says Judi. By really getting to know each resident, Judi can connect residents with others who enjoy the same activities. Making New Friends Through Activities The first few days of your loved one living in assisted living can be lonely for them. The Arbors at Dracut wants new residents to feel welcome right away – so they don’t have “time” to feel lonely. “I like to pair new residents with someone to go to lunch with them and an activity,” says Judi. “Once they get talking at lunch, they find that they always have something in common with someone else. Whether it’s their kids went to grade school together, or they lived in the same town at one point in their life.” Making connections with others over food often leads to them doing activities together. From playing cribbage games every day, book club each month or baking class on Tuesdays. “We have set activities every week:” Monday: Grocery Shopping Tuesday: Baking Class Wednesday: Go Out to Eat Thursday: Crafts Friday: Music “There is a core group of residents every day depending on the activities. Women enjoy coming to baking class, knitting group and crafts. The men have a monthly luncheon that’s become popular. It all depends on their interests and if their friends will be there,” says Judi. Meeting at The Pub When you walk in the doors at The Arbors at Dracut, you’re greeted with a friendly smile and a beautiful entry way filled with flowers, comfy couches and a gorgeous chandelier. Right past the entry way is “The Pub” where the coffee is always on and fresh treats are there for everyone enjoy. If your loved one is a social butterfly, they will likely spend a lot of time here. You can always find a resident in The Pub enjoying a cup of coffee, reading the paper or playing a game. One resident, Carol, said “I don’t enjoy just sitting in my apartment alone. So, I just go down to The Pub to hang out, have tea and chat with anyone who is there.” It’s a great place for conversation and connections to spark. Celebrating Holidays with Each Other The Arbors at Dracut celebrates the holidays, just like you or your loved one at home would. From Santa bringing gifts to all the residents at Christmas time, to Mother’s Day baskets for all the women. “It’s important to make our residents feel special. On Mother’s Day I made sure to stop in on my way to church to check that all the flowers and baskets were ready to go for our residents,” says Judi. Residents celebrate each other’s birthdays, anniversaries and other special life events with each other. They make each other cards, birthday cakes or celebrate with a good glass of wine. “I just love watching the residents connect with each other, from the stories they share about their past to the plans they’re making on getting together that night for wine and cheese,” says Judi. There is always an activity or outing going on at The Arbors at Dracut for residents to participate in. Still have questions about moving your loved one to an assisted living facility? Our eBook, “Assisted Living │Frequently Asked Questions and Answers” can help navigate you through this process.
