This September, make plans to spend National Assisted Living Week (NALW) with residents of senior living communities like Grand Oaks of Okeechobee—and be prepared to get creative!

Founded in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), National Assisted Living Week promotes awareness about assisted living facilities and their residents, and the important ways they benefit our local communities.

Caregivers and staff members are also recognized during NALW, as their dedication and compassion are an integral part of the health and well-being of the residents, as well as the overall success of an assisted living community. “No matter your age, we should all be living life to its fullest. Assisted living caregivers help seniors realize this by supporting them with everyday tasks while maximizing their independence and honoring their individuality,” said Scott Tittle, Executive Director of NCAL.

The theme for this year’s NALW is “A Spark of Creativity” and it’s meant to inspire creative ventures and new ways of thinking or doing. “‘A Spark of Creativity’ encourages everyone to get their creative juices flowing—whether it’s residents trying out new things, or caregivers exploring innovative ways to improve care and community life,” said Tittle.

With creativity being the focus of this year’s NALW, there a plenty of ways you can celebrate and connect with senior living residents, including:

• Participating in an arts and crafts class, like ones offered at Grand Oaks of Okeechobee. Be sure to check out our September Calendar for dates and times!
• Setting new creative goals, such as learning how to crochet or finishing a novel
• Taking your senior loved one to a concert, a special showing of an independent film, or to an art display, like the beautiful butterfly sculptures at Hamrick Butterfly Garden that our residents helped paint!

No matter how you chose to commemorate the week, NALW offers individuals a chance to celebrate and get creative with residents of assisted living communities. It also serves as a reminder for families to stop by and enjoy time together with their loved ones who reside in a senior living facility.

For more information on National Assisted Living Week, please visit www.nalw.org.

For more information on Grand Oaks of Okeechobee, call 863-692-7222.