Established in 1995, National Assisted Living Week celebrates and promotes the important role assisted living communities play in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. The annual observance encourages assisted living communities around the country to celebrate the people they serve while educating the general public about their long-term care options
Typically, assisted living communities serve individuals who need help with daily activities and health care services but do not require specialized nursing care for extended periods of time. These communities offer their residents a mix of companionship, independence, privacy and security in a welcoming, home-like environment. Assisted living communities become residents’ homes and serve as an extended family composed of fellow residents and caregivers.
This year’s weeklong celebration kicked off on Sep. 12, with festivities enjoyed by tens of thousands of assisted living communities around the United States. The Willows of Easley, a trusted local assisted living community, looks forward to National Assisted Living Week every year.
“We are blessed to be able to share this time with our residents and associates and celebrate the special atmosphere that we have created,” said Executive Director Laura Gill Spearman.
This year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week was “Compassion, Community, Caring,” which perfectly describes the daily interactions the care providers at The Willows of Easley share with residents.
“Our tag line is ‘It’s not like home; it is home’ and this statement embodies what we do at its core,” Spearman continued.
At The Willows of Easley, residents anticipate National Assisted Living Week’s merriment as much as their associates do. From Beach Day, Carnival Day, Decades Day, Super Hero Day and more, the festivities give residents something unique and exciting to look forward to. The celebration also provides an opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers and the surrounding communities to recognize and honor the important relationship between The Willows of Easley and the families it serves.
Ask the residents and they will likely tell you about all the fun they have during National Assisted Living Week. The team plans creative games, caters treats like ice cream socials and ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. The goal of assisted living is to deliver person-centered care to each individual resident. Therefore, individual needs and preferences are considered in all of the planning that goes into celebrating this exciting week.
“I like having fun with everyone.” said Syble Shelton, a Willows of Easley resident, while another resident, Carolyn Wheaton, cited the games as her favorite aspect of the annual celebration.
“We had so much fun watching the week we had planned come to life. Putting together an event like this can be stressful, but seeing it all come together and the smiles on everyone’s face makes it all worth it. I am so happy to be part of such an amazing team!” said Tamra Imundo, The Willows of Easley’s assisted living life enrichment director.
For more information visit www.thewillowsofeasley.com or call 864-641-0781.
By Isabel Alvarez Arata