A resident is missing. You search your assisted living facility, but the individual is nowhere to be found. Since the resident has challenges with both memory and physical health, each minute that passes increases the chance of a negative outcome. You’re worried about the resident – and about your facility’s liability. Situations like this are ...

If you work with seniors, you may have heard of laughing yoga. Also called laughter yoga or hasyayoga, this exercise centers around laughter and proponents say it can reduce stress and support good health. For senior centers looking for an easy and enjoyable exercise, laughter yoga might be a good option to try. The Concept ...

As the population ages, the country’s assisted living care needs are increasing. Family-owned personal care assisted living facilities are stepping up by raising the standard of care. The Trends Behind Rising Care Needs The number of older Americans is surging – and many of these seniors want to age in their homes for as long ...

According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC), the average occupancy rate in assisted living facilities hit a pandemic-era low of 75.4 percent in the first quarter of 2021. This compares to an average of 84.9 percent just before the pandemic began. The good news? As of the second quarter of ...

Virtual reality for seniors is becoming more common in assisted living facilities, not just because the technology is incredible. In fact, it’s a great way to provide an improved living experience for seniors, who are often isolated and have limited mobility.  According to a report by the National Council on Aging, many seniors struggle with ...

Balance becomes more challenging for most of us as we age. Normal physical changes, existing injuries, and medications all contribute to the problem. Balance is actually a skill that comes to us comes naturally throughout much of our lives. As we get older, however, it becomes something we need to practice. In part, that’s because ...

Dementia in all forms, including Alzheimer’s disease, directly affects our interpersonal communication abilities. Those with dementia struggle to remember basic facts such as the names of loved ones, important dates, and memorable places. Over time, their abilities may be lost altogether as the illness progresses. Misunderstandings between those who have dementia and those are don’t ...

Engaging with seniors through meaningful conversation is an important part of their socialization and has been shown to be particularly important for their well-being. It keeps the brain stimulated and healthy and promotes longer lifespans. It has been connected to greater feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. It can aid in the prevention of general ...

Average staff turnover in assisted living communities is approaching 50% annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics –- and still rising. In addition to the disruption in resident care, the average cost of replacing a lost employee can run as high as 25% of annual compensation. Not surprisingly, many facilities react to the situation by concentrating on ...

Few people were prepared for the coronavirus pandemic, and that includes many assisted living facilities. Thanks to a better understanding of the virus and an effective vaccine, the worst may be behind us. However, it is only a matter of time until the next pandemic strikes. This is the time to assess what went wrong ...