Inside assisted living: Facilities reflect on building community, structure

Assisted living facilities have spent the past week dressing up in themed outfits, playing fun games and bonding over family meals in celebration of National Assisted Living Week. But while one week highlights the communities, the work of aging in place continues year-round. In a region that's aging rapidly — a quarter or more of the population is over 60 years old — healthcare advocates are emphasizing the importance of building infrastructure that gives adults comfort and purpose in their golden years. Staff at assisted living facilities believe their services are not a last-choice resort, but a starting point for a new chapter."This is an opportunity for you to do anything that you have wanted to do and that you've not been able to do because of limitations with mobility or health or opportunity," said Beth Freeman, administrator at The Village at Allandale in Kingsport. Transitioning to assisted living Making the jump from a home to an assisted living facility can be difficult. Freeman said that while moving can often relieve stress and worry from people concerned about burdening their caregivers, it can also introduce difficulties of its own. "They're leaving the place that they've lived in that they've made their home in for the last 40, 50, 60 years, and that's a really difficult thing to give up," she said. "It would be difficult for anybody." Facility residents and staff help with the transition by forming welcoming communities and checking in on each other. "It takes the residents and the staff working together to make this the community that it is," Freeman said. "If I didn't have the residents welcoming new people in, and having the general atmosphere that they create, it wouldn't be nearly as good of a facility." Jean Frazier, a new resident at Princeton Transitional Care and Assisted Living in Johnson City, said that while moving was an adjustment, the facility was very helpful during the process. She decided to move into Princeton because she had received physical therapy out of their rehabilitation unit. "It's like moving into a spa," she said. "It was a seamless decision, actually, because I didn't have to leave the building." Living at the facility got rid of the stress of running a home, Frazier said. It also helped her with one of the most difficult aspects of aging — losing friends and family. "When you decide to move into a facility like this, it does give you a chance to make new friends," Frazier said. "It makes the loss of your family and friends much easier." Creating structure for older adults Part of creating a community includes building structure that gives residents daily direction. Most facilities have set wake-up and meal times, as well as regular activities, exercise opportunities and outings. "We found people want to still have purposeful activities," said Keith Boyce, administrator at Princeton. "Sometimes you may want to be entertained… but sometimes you want to stretch your mind." Activities at Princeton include entertainment, quizzes, movies and more. Bingo is by far the most popular activity, Mission Director Deshawn Mingo said with a smile. "They love their coffee and devotion as well. It gives them time to talk to one another and express how they're feeling," Mingo added. "We still want to make them feel independent and have something to do." Betty Solomon, a new resident at Christian Assisted Living of Johnson City, said her favorite activity at her facility was a trip to the Elizabethton Covered Bridge."There's something going on all the time," she said. "I couldn't ask for anything better." Solomon's favorite part of living there, she added, is the concern and care the facility has for its residents. Focusing on community, quality of life Shelley Bailey, executive director at Christian Assisted Living, said reassurance that residents are safe and loved helps the community truly become a family. The work there is her "heart and soul," she added."When we walk in these doors, we're not walking into a job," Bailey said. "We are walking in to serve these residents and their community." Christian Assisted Living Director of Marketing and Admissions Rebekah McNerney said that with lengthening lifespans, it's important to focus on quality of life, rather than just lifespan. Facilities like theirs, she said, can provide a level of care older adults wouldn't get at home. Bailey added that they encourage families to discuss assisted living with loved ones early on in their lives, so they're not waiting until the last moment when a family member might not understand. Most facilities in the area invite potential residents to visit for a tour or even a respite stay. "We want them to know that it's a home, it's not a facility, it's not just a building," McNerney said. "We want them to come in and feel like they can establish their place here."