BLOG

Assured Assisted Living Coronavirus Response March 19, 2020

Peter Brissette • January 7, 2021

Francis: Good afternoon Assured family. I am excited that Allyson and I get a moment here to sit and chat about how Assured is handling the COVID response and some of the new things that are coming out very quickly. So Allyson, thank you for sitting down and joining us.

Allyson: Hi everybody. I hope I can clear some confusion and answer some questions. Francis: That's awesome. That's what we're here for. So let's kind of start, let's just dive right into it. A big question we've been getting a lot lately is what would we do if a caregiver or a resident is diagnosed? So Alison, why don't you kind of, let's dive right into that and see how we're going to handle it?

Allyson: Okay. So we are taking everybody's temperature at least once a day in the morning, and that's including the caregivers and any of the caregivers who have had a fever or having any signs and symptoms of being sick, they're not working right now and we are putting them on at least a 14 day quarantine. We also did this for caregivers who traveled right before all of this started, they're not working either. So we're kind of nipping that in the bud before anything can start, we're not even wanting people to work if they're sick or travel or anything like that.

And then as far as the residents go, same thing, we are checking very frequently being on top of any of the other symptoms, cough, and shortness of breath. We are especially monitoring the residents who just have these kinds of things chronically already, the respiratory issues. So we're really working with the provider to give them the information. And if we were so we so far haven't suspected that, but if we were to then the health departments notified, I mean the physician, the hospitals. So they are sent there and with our population, they would probably more than likely be sent there for testing. Someone would stay there until we got the results of the test back. And then at that point I don't really know that they would send them back and they would probably keep them for a while, depending on what their needs were.

Francis: And I want families to know and anybody listening is that now is the time for us to be as proactive as possible. We've been in, I'd say a restricted visitation now for what, a little over two weeks now, Allyson? Allyson: Yes.

Francis: And so what we're really trying to do now is being as proactive as possible from wiping down surfaces, doing all those things that we can, multiple times a day to really help try to limit, the likelihood of letting the virus get into the house. And so it's really important for us that we stay on top of that. So Allyson, I know you, you're trying to stay on top of the ever-changing news. What's some of the—and I'm going to put a link up right now. Can you tell our families a little bit about this covid19.colorado.gov, this link that I have up on the screen? What is the benefit of that?

Allyson: Yes. So yesterday Governor Polis announced he was releasing that website just to kind of be something almost like a blog, if you want to call it. Just with the newest information, being somewhere easily accessible for people living in Colorado, I think it’s a little confusing or there's so many places that you could check information, the CDC, federal, state. And so I think that's a really great resource for everybody, especially our families, just so they can kind of see some information that we're getting also. It's not really a secret where we're getting our information. And I think they did a good job. It's an easy accessible website. Yesterday, it was a little glitchy because I think so many people were reaching it, but they've kind of upped their IT, whatever goes behind that. So, it's working today. It's a good resource for families.

Francis: Yes. And definitely we're always a resource here too. So Allyson, feel free to reach out to any of our staff members. Allyson is really leading our response teams since she is our nurse administrator. So she is overseeing a lot of the practices that we've been implementing now for well over two weeks. And our goal is to continue to refine those practices as we learn more about COVID and how the response is being handled by the hospitals and the skilled nursing facilities. So with that being said, we've heard a lot about testing, Allyson, and I think you mentioned to me before this, that we've seen testing increasing in the state. Is that correct?

Allyson: Yes. That is state and nationwide. Yesterday, during the federal briefing thing earlier in the morning, one of the doctors did say, and she warned everybody, "Don't panic, our curve is going to look worse than Italy's, but that's just because we're going to have about at least four to five days’ worth of tests coming in. And because we now have more testing than we had even earlier this week, a week ago. And so we are going to see a huge increase in the number of positives. And just want to reiterate, don't panic, it's just because we're testing more people." Francis: I think what's really important here right now is that we will see a spike in the number of positive cases. Correct?

Allyson: Yes.

Francis: And how can someone handle that? Knowing that it can be overwhelming to hear that maybe we have, I can't remember. I think we're below two hundred right now, that all of a sudden that could double right? I mean, or who knows, it could do, right? Allyson: Yes. I think, people can guess as much as they want, the scientists and the doctors behind all this, but we really just aren't sure exactly what those numbers are going to spike to, but yes, just that they are going to greatly increase. And I think just something to say to people is just don't panic. And just to know the reasoning behind it, that it's actually a good thing that we're getting more tests and the majority of these people, they're going to go home safe and they'll be okay. It's just that we have to take these measures to protect the people who are at higher risk.

Francis: And I do want to say something to our current families, is we understand the difficulty of the virtual visits. And I think you and I both empathize as much as we can with our family members. And we are trying to be as creative as possible. We are going to be getting more tablets in each of the homes to make that a lot easier for families to do the virtual visits through whatever type of application, whether it's FaceTime, Skype, Google chats, whatever that may be, but please know that we truly are here for you guys. We want to get as creative as possible for you to feel connected to your person, your loved one, your best friend that we are providing care for. But ultimately we are trying to make sure we protect our residents. That's really where our focus is right now. And that's also why we're very excited that the majority of our external providers have gone to virtual visits. So can you tell us a little bit more about that Allyson?

Allyson: Yes. So I did that earlier this week, we thought something was going on with some of these medical providers but we wanted to kind of check in with Rocky Mountain who is the provider that I talked to. And so they had me download an app on my phone. It was really easy. I know now Tina and some of the other girls have done it as well. And so really all I did was I set up a time with the on call nurse practitioner and then her and I got on the app, we spoke for a little bit, and then I took my phone into the room with the resident and she was able to kind of look her over and talk to her about a few things and it worked out.

And so I think going forward, they're wanting to do that to limit visits and just from it to spread because, they're not just in all of our homes, but they're going to other facilities and seeing other residents and just the nature of what they do. They're around people who are sick. So I think that's a really great thing to try to limit any exposure. Francis: Yes. And that's why we're trying to be as careful with external providers as possible. We are making everybody that enters our door do temperature checks, questionnaires. So we are really being proactive and who is entering any of our residences to try to lower the likelihood of transmission. So I think that's important. We are making everybody do a temperature check and fill out our questionnaire prior to entering. So why don't you tell us a little bit more about what that questionnaire is Allyson?

Allyson: Yes. So in both for all service providers, we mean the physicians, hospitals, PT, OT, those. The thing is that I've had somebody reach out to me and say, "Hey, this is a little scary. My husband is not going to receive physical therapy for who knows how long." And we are still allowing, you know, those necessary people in, because we don't want our residents to decline. And we recognize that some of these things are a necessity. But we want to be very cautious with that. And so on the front door, I've already placed a sign saying that, if they're sick or they've traveled, please don't come in at all. Call us, please don't come in.

Then, once they come in the door though, they need to, I mean, originally they all need to sign in anyways, but now we've just kind of upped the sign in sheet. So, I want to know that they've had no fever for the past 72 hours that they haven't traveled domestically or internationally for 14 or 21 days. And just that they're wearing a mask and that whoever they work for, that they're providing them with a mask. Just because since they are coming in and even if they're not showing any of these signs or symptoms, that they haven't had a cough or a fever, shortness of breath, anything like that, that they've been around other residents I don't know anything about. And so, just taking every precaution that we can.

Francis: Yes. And that's what, again, as I mentioned when we first started is our goal here is to be as proactive in an unknown time. Because we want to limit the likelihood. Again, we want to do our best to put our residents first. And that's really, what's our focus is why we are in these very tight restrictions and why Allyson is being very proactive in getting us to as many virtual visits as possible, unless it's absolutely necessary. So we are still going to be keeping though—again, our resident's quality of life is what matters. And why don't you talk a little bit about what Blair's doing for our residents and how he's looking at external resources, such as some of the virtual visits and shows and stuff like that?

Allyson: Yes. So everybody's favorite Blair, he's really on top of everything trying to make sure that he can do as much as he can for the residents’ social and mental wellbeing. So he has reached out to some people who can maybe do the music therapy virtually. So some of those things that we're not really wanting so many people coming into the houses right now, he's really trying to do a lot online or virtually. So he found some things where it's music or like an exercise app and all of these other different just types of things that we could set something up on like on a monitor and so that everybody can see it. So just one more thing just to kind of keep everybody as active as possible.

Francis: And I think that's important is that we are, again, constantly looking at what else is out there, how we can improve what we're doing, how we can better engage our residents and also engage the family. So currently we are using the Serenity app at one of our houses off of that circle. We have very successfully tested that there, and now we are going to slowly roll that out to a lot of our other houses. And what this is, allows us to share videos, comments, pictures about how your loved one is doing on top of what the virtual visits are. We've also had some requests to share some pictures on social media. So we will also be limiting, be showing some engagement activities that we are doing on social media as well too.

And Allyson, can we talk a little bit about kind of our size versus like some of the larger residents that are out there, the bigger facilities, what unique thing we have and why we're really working hard to be as restricted as possible on the visits? Allyson: Yes. So, our homes being the size that they are, I mean, there are a ton of benefits, but specifically in this scenario, it's just, anything grows the bigger you are. So in our scenario now with there only being, maybe say nine residents in one of the houses. Okay. It's just those nine residents. But say we go to a bigger facility where there are 150 residents, okay, so let's say 75 of those residents go to the dining hall and they're all eating together or sitting at tables closely with each other or interacting with the staff. So, you have maintenance, the dining staff, the management staff, the nursing staff, the therapy staff, just everything, just the more numbers there are, the greater you are to catch something.

And so I think we really are lucky and this time with this going on, that we are smaller. I think we have a less of a chance of getting anything in one of the homes. Francis: And also too, since we have built staff quarters, a lot of our staff live in the house that they work either next door or above below. And that enables them to really be contained to that one facility. So we're not having them cross in the different facilities as often. Correct? And that has to have an impact. Right?

Allyson: Yes. And at the other facilities, say your mom's nurse and CNA, you don't know if they went to the grocery the day before, or before all the restaurants closed. You don't know if they were at a bar sitting in a community table with 10 other people. I mean, our staff, they live there and they really haven't been leaving. I mean, we have been delivering groceries for them as well. And so it's definitely less of a chance of contracting something.

Francis: And as admins too, we've limited our contact with each other as well, because we want to keep that social distance, but also be able to respond to if necessary, if one of us happens to get it, we don't want to spread it to ourselves and the house, and so we're being very mindful on what we're doing. Myself and my family, we've only gone out for groceries or gone to do some work. We're not doing anything socially that can expose us, which could then in turn, expose our residents. And I know that's very important for a lot of our team is we are being super conscious as to what we're doing outside of the houses.

Allyson: Yes, definitely. I mean, we've all made lifestyle changes as well. We've all canceled trips that we were supposed to go on. We've all taken steps to make sure that we're not bringing anything into the houses. We very much recognize that we work with a high risk population and we don't take that lightly. Francis: And we are taking our own temperatures every day. I'm checking mine and my family's as well too. And I know all of our admin staff is checking it. Blair's checking it as well. So, I know this is unsettling times. I mean, I don't think we've had anything like this challenge face us before, Allyson, that I can remember?

Allyson: No. We really haven't. This is definitely just uncharted territory. Everybody is kind of just trying to figure it out day by day. Francis: And what we're asking is we want to be here to support you guys. We know there are a lot of unknowns out there. We know this is nerve wracking, scary, things like that. So, we want to be here as a resource for you. So please feel free to reach out to Allyson. I had her email, Allyson@assuredal.com, and she can answer more questions for you in regards to what other actions we're taking.

But Allyson’s staying on top of this and we're making changes as we get new information. And so for the time being, we feel optimistic that we've been as proactive as we can, but we're always looking to get better. And whether that's through changing activities, through doing different things, our goal is to just continue to meet the needs of your loved one. And that's really what matters the most.

Allyson: Yes. I agree. And I just also want to throw out there, we're really trying to take care of our residents, but also you guys as well. We want you to be safe and healthy and that way, when it's all over, you can come back and visit. So please make sure that you're also protecting yourself. I know this is stressful and you're probably worried about your loved ones, but they're worried about you also. And you need to take care of yourself.

Francis: And I have a little person that want to say hi. Can you say hi to everybody?

Baby: Hi!

Francis: Come over here. Sorry. This is what happens when you're trying to isolate your entire family.

Allyson: [laughs]

Francis: So again, we're all both here. We're here to really help out as much as we can. We're going to try to be doing this more consistently where we're doing some of these videos. We're going to be keeping our email communication up. We're expanding the use of Serenity app. Our goal is to share as much information as possible about the things that we are doing with our family members and the loved ones.

Allyson: Yes.

Francis: So Allyson, thank you so much for taking some time and I really appreciate everything that you're doing. Thank you for all the hard work and the stress that you feel about the concern. And so I really truly appreciate that.

Allyson: Yes, of course. And thank you and thank all of our families for your support. We couldn't do it without you guys as well. So...

Francis: Yes. Thank you all and have a great day. Try to stay warm now that we're getting a bunch of snow as well too.

Allyson: Yes.

Francis: So thank you all. Have a good one. We'll talk to you guys soon.

Allyson: Bye.

Francis: Bye!

END

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Staying Active in Assisted Living: Fun and Engaging Exercise Programs for Seniors

October 24, 2025

Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for seniors' overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity enhances mobility, boosts mood, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. In assisted living communities, structured exercise programs promote residents' physical and mental health. These programs are tailored to accommodate varying fitness levels, ensuring inclusivity and safety for all participants. Assisted living facilities recognize the importance of offering diverse and engaging exercise options. By providing a range of activities, the program allows residents to find programs that align with their interests and abilities. This personalized approach fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages consistent participation. Moreover, group exercise sessions enhance social connections, contributing to a supportive community environment. Why Exercise Programs Are Important in Assisted Living Regular exercise is vital for seniors to maintain independence and prevent health decline. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances flexibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , adults aged 65 and older should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Meeting these guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Structured exercise programs are designed to meet these recommendations in assisted living settings. These programs offer a variety of activities, from aerobic classes to strength training, ensuring residents can choose exercises they enjoy. Regular physical activity can improve balance and coordination in seniors, reducing the likelihood of falls. Additionally, exercise has been linked to enhanced cognitive function, aiding in memory retention and mental clarity. Beyond physical benefits, exercise programs contribute to emotional well-being. Group activities foster social interaction, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation. The sense of community and shared goals can lead to increased motivation and adherence to fitness routines. Assisted living communities prioritize creating an environment where residents feel encouraged and supported in their wellness journeys. Furthermore, tailored exercise programs can accommodate individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. Certified fitness instructors modify activities to ensure safety and accessibility for all participants. This inclusivity empowers residents to take charge of their health, regardless of physical limitations. Personalized fitness plans can address specific health concerns and improve quality of life. Types of Exercise Programs Beneficial for Seniors Various exercise programs cater to seniors' unique needs and promote comprehensive health benefits. Aerobic activities, such as walking clubs or low-impact dance classes, improve cardiovascular endurance. These activities elevate heart rate safely, enhancing blood circulation and respiratory efficiency. Regular participation can lead to increased stamina and energy levels. Strength training exercises are crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone density. Seniors can safely build strength by using resistance bands, light weights, or body-weight exercises. The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that strength training helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and enhances functional abilities. Improved muscle strength supports daily activities and fosters greater independence.

The Power of Art Therapy: Enhancing Creativity and Emotional Well-being in Senior Living

October 21, 2025

Art therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing creativity and emotional well-being among seniors in assisted living communities. By engaging in creative activities, residents can express emotions, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functions. Incorporating art therapy into senior care plans offers a holistic mental and emotional health approach. Assisted living facilities increasingly recognize the value of such programs in promoting residents' quality of life. Integrating art therapy into daily routines at Assured Senior Living reflects a commitment to innovative, person-centered care. The facility fosters an environment of creativity and emotional support by providing residents with opportunities to explore various art forms. The Psychological Benefits of Art Therapy Engaging in art therapy allows seniors to process complex emotions in a nonverbal manner. Through creative expression, individuals can explore feelings that may be difficult to articulate. This process aids in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are common among the elderly. Art therapy also promotes a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Completing an art project, regardless of its scale, can boost self-esteem and confidence. This sense of achievement is particularly beneficial for seniors facing physical or cognitive limitations. It reinforces their capabilities and fosters a positive self-image. Furthermore, the creative process can distract from chronic pain or discomfort. Focusing on art projects diverts attention away from physical ailments, providing relief and improving overall quality of life. This therapeutic effect underscores the mind-body connection in holistic care approaches. Incorporating art therapy into pain management plans can be a valuable strategy in assisted living settings. Art therapy also encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Engaging in creative activities requires concentration, which can quiet the mind and reduce rumination on past or future concerns. This mindfulness aspect contributes to decreased stress levels and enhanced emotional regulation. Regular practice can lead to long-term improvements in mental health and resilience. Improving Cognitive Function Through Art Therapy Participating in art therapy stimulates various cognitive processes , including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Creating art engages multiple areas of the brain, fostering neural connections and cognitive resilience. This stimulation is vital for seniors to maintain mental sharpness and delay cognitive decline. Activities such as painting, drawing, or sculpting challenge the mind and encourage continuous learning.

Gardening for Seniors: Benefits and Accessible Gardening Ideas in Assisted Living

October 17, 2025

Gardening offers numerous benefits for seniors, particularly those residing in assisted living communities. Engaging in gardening activities provides physical exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction. The fresh air and connection to nature further enhance overall well-being. Incorporating accessible gardening ideas ensures that all seniors, regardless of mobility levels, can participate and reap these benefits. Assisted living communities that integrate gardening into their programs create enriching environments for residents. By tailoring gardening activities to meet the needs of seniors, these communities promote active lifestyles and improve quality of life. 1. Physical Benefits of Gardening for Seniors Gardening is a low-impact physical activity that enhances strength, flexibility, and endurance. Tasks such as planting, weeding, and watering involve various muscle groups, promoting overall fitness. Regular physical activity through gardening can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve cardiovascular health. According to a study , gardening has strong physical health benefits for older adults. Engaging in gardening also improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Handling tools and plants requires precision, which can enhance dexterity. Maintaining motor skills is crucial for daily activities and contributes to sustained independence. Moreover, the physical exertion involved in gardening can lead to better sleep patterns, further benefiting overall health. Exposure to sunlight during gardening increases vitamin D levels, which are essential for bone health. Adequate vitamin D helps prevent osteoporosis and fractures, which are common concerns among seniors. However, to reduce the risk of skin cancer, it's important to balance sun exposure with skin protection. Wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen can mitigate these risks. The right gardening ideas also encourage functional movement, such as bending and stretching, which enhance flexibility. These movements can alleviate stiffness and improve joint health. Maintaining flexibility is vital for comfortably performing daily tasks. Furthermore, the weight-bearing aspects of gardening activities help strengthen bones and muscles. Gardening can also be a form of aerobic exercise. Activities like raking and digging elevate heart rates, promoting cardiovascular fitness. This aerobic component contributes to overall stamina and energy levels. Incorporating regular gardening sessions into routines can lead to long-term health benefits. 2. Mental and Emotional Benefits Gardening has been linked to improved mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nurturing plants provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Engaging with nature has a calming effect, lowering stress levels and promoting relaxation. According to experts , gardening has been scientifically proven to improve both mental and physical health, contributing to a longer and happier life. Gardening activities stimulate the brain through sensory experiences such as touching soil and smelling flowers. These stimuli can evoke positive memories and emotions, which is particularly beneficial for seniors with dementia. Gardening activities also encourage mindfulness, keeping individuals present and engaged. This focus can distract from negative thoughts and improve mood.

The Benefits of Group Therapy for Parkinson’s Rehabilitation

October 15, 2025

How can group therapy enhance the rehabilitation process for Parkinson’s patients? Group therapy offers a multifaceted approach to Parkinson’s care, addressing both physical and cognitive challenges. By participating in structured group activities, patients can experience significant mobility and mental acuity improvements, fostering a supportive environment that promotes overall well-being. The Science Behind Group Therapy's Impact on Mobility Research consistently shows that group therapy can significantly enhance the mobility of Parkinson’s patients. Studies indicate that engaging in group-based physical activities, such as tai chi, dance, and resistance training, can improve balance, gait, and overall motor function. These activities not only target the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s but also provide a structured environment where patients can motivate each other.

Advances in Parkinson’s Research: What’s New in Treatment and Care?

October 9, 2025

Discover the latest Parkinson’s research, from gene therapy to deep brain stimulation, offering new hope for improved care and quality of life.

Addressing Sensory Processing Issues in Seniors with Dementia

October 7, 2025

Learn how sensory processing issues affect seniors with dementia and discover environmental changes that improve comfort and quality of life.

How Robotics and AI are Improving Senior Care

October 2, 2025

Discover how AI and robotics are improving senior care. From mobility aids to health monitoring and caregiver support, explore tech that enhances elder well-being.

Exploring the Benefits of Adult Day Care Programs

September 30, 2025

Adult daycare programs have emerged as vital components in the continuum of care for older adults. These programs offer structured, daytime support, allowing seniors to engage in social, therapeutic, and health-related activities while returning to their homes in the evening. Adult daycare provides a flexible and supportive solution for families balancing caregiving responsibilities with other commitments. Understanding the multifaceted benefits of these programs is essential for making informed care decisions. The demand for adult day care services is growing, reflecting the needs of an aging population seeking alternatives to full-time residential care. According to the CDC , over 5,100 adult day services centers in the United States serve approximately 182,000 participants daily. These centers cater to individuals with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities and provide personalized care plans. Exploring the specific advantages of adult day care can illuminate its role in promoting senior well-being and family support. How Adult Day Care Programs Improve Social Engagement Social isolation is a significant concern among older adults, often leading to adverse health outcomes. Adult day care programs address this issue by fostering a community environment where seniors can interact with peers. Engaging in group activities , such as art classes, music sessions, and games, encourages socialization and reduces feelings of loneliness. Regular participation in these programs can lead to improved mood and cognitive function. The structured nature of adult day care ensures that participants have access to consistent social opportunities. Centers often organize events and outings, providing variety and stimulation. These activities are designed to be inclusive, accommodating different interests and abilities. Such engagement is crucial for maintaining a sense of purpose and belonging among seniors.

Meaningful Ways to Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones in Assisted Living

September 25, 2025

Maintaining strong connections with loved ones in assisted living is vital for their emotional and psychological well-being. Regular, meaningful interactions can significantly enhance a resident's quality of life, providing comfort and a sense of belonging. Understanding the best ways to spend quality time together fosters these benefits. Assisted living communities offer various opportunities for families to connect with residents through structured and informal activities. These environments are designed to support social engagement, making it easier for loved ones to participate in residents' daily lives. From communal events to personalized visits, numerous ways exist to create meaningful experiences. Exploring these options can help families make the most of their time together. Engage in Shared Activities in Assisted Living Participating in activities together can be a fulfilling way to spend time with loved ones in assisted living. Simple actions like reading a book aloud, working on a puzzle, or watching a favorite movie can provide comfort and enjoyment. These shared experiences can evoke positive memories and foster a sense of normalcy. Such activities can also stimulate emotion, conversation, and connection. Creative pursuits like painting, knitting, or crafting can be therapeutic and enjoyable. These activities allow residents to express themselves and can be a source of pride and accomplishment. Family members participating in these creative endeavors can strengthen their bond with the resident. Additionally, displaying completed projects can boost the resident's self-esteem and provide conversation starters.

Healthy Holiday Eating: Tips for Seniors to Enjoy Festive Meals Without Sacrificing Their Health

September 23, 2025

The holiday season brings joy, togetherness, and an abundance of delicious meals. For a senior, it's a time to celebrate with loved ones while being mindful of their health. Maintaining a balanced diet during festive gatherings is essential to ensure overall well-being. Assisted living communities are crucial in supporting seniors who enjoy holiday feasts without compromising their health. Assisted living facilities recognize the importance of nutrition in senior health. They provide tailored meal plans catering to individual dietary needs, ensuring seniors receive the necessary nutrients. These communities also offer educational programs to promote healthy eating habits among residents. Focusing on nutritional awareness helps seniors make informed choices during the holiday season. Understanding Nutritional Needs During the Holidays As people age, their nutritional requirements change , necessitating diet adjustments. Seniors often need fewer calories but more of certain nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. During the holidays, indulging in calorie-dense foods that lack essential nutrients is easy. Assisted living communities address this by offering festive and nutritionally balanced meals. Protein intake is vital for senior health, helping maintain muscle mass and strength. Holiday meals can be tailored to include lean proteins such as turkey or plant-based alternatives. Incorporating these options helps seniors meet their protein needs without excessive saturated fats. Assisted living facilities ensure that holiday menus are designed with these considerations. Fiber is another crucial component of a senior's diet, aiding in digestion and preventing constipation. Holiday dishes can be modified to include whole grains, fruits, and fiber-rich vegetables. Seniors can enjoy traditional meals while supporting their digestive health. Assisted living communities prioritize these dietary adjustments during festive seasons. Hydration is often overlooked but is essential for seniors, especially during the holidays when alcohol and caffeinated beverages are prevalent. Encouraging water intake and offering hydrating foods like soups and fruits can help maintain proper hydration levels. Assisted living facilities monitor residents' fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Managing Chronic Senior Health Conditions with Holiday Foods Many seniors manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, which require specific dietary considerations. Holiday meals can be adapted to accommodate these needs without sacrificing flavor. Assisted living communities work closely with dietitians to create menus that align with senior residents’ health requirements. Controlling carbohydrate intake is crucial to managing blood sugar levels for seniors with diabetes. To reduce glycemic impact, holiday dishes can be prepared with whole grains and natural sweeteners. Assisted living facilities provide alternatives that allow diabetic residents to enjoy desserts in moderation. Thoughtful substitutions make holiday meals inclusive for all.