| What is the single biggest factor, besides overall | | | | tours with full detailed guides, swimming and pool |
| quality of necessary care, that gives senior living in | | | | exercises, golf and tennis are just a few of the |
| Dallas the biggest boost to quality of life? | | | | many options for activities residents can consider |
| Hint: it has nothing to do with mahogany furniture or | | | | participating in. |
| crystal chandeliers. | | | | - Celebrate! Birthdays and holidays should be |
| Sure, the surroundings and ambiance of an assisted | | | | recognized and celebrated with as wide a cross |
| living facility can make a difference in the attitude | | | | section of residents as possible. Celebrating special |
| and well being of its residents. But almost all of the | | | | events together, such as Thanksgiving or birthdays, |
| thousands of elders using long term senior care in | | | | is a major boost for the overall communal |
| Texas would likely trade granite countertops for | | | | atmosphere that brings about true happiness in both |
| better activities to engage in with fellow residents. | | | | the staff members and residents. |
| And such activities should go beyond playing Bingo or | | | | - Being able to interact and sustain friendships with |
| watching All My Children on the lobby TV. | | | | volunteers of all ages can be therapeutic and highly |
| Here are some interactive ideas to consider: | | | | rewarding for assisted living elders. The opportunity |
| - Stimulating the mind is necessary during the elder | | | | to recant anecdotes with visitors is often a cherished |
| years, and so many senior living communities have | | | | way to spend time, especially if volunteers are |
| Bingo and other games to help keep the residents | | | | engaged in good listening and reciprocal participation in |
| active and socializing. Examples include card games | | | | the conversation. |
| like Bridge or Euchre. | | | | - Book clubs can provide a nice alternative to |
| - Speaking of games, further excitement can be | | | | watching movies or TV shows. By having residents |
| added if friendly competition is fostered through | | | | grouped according to reading interest and having such |
| tournaments. Backgammon, cribbage, chess, | | | | groups read the same book, residents can get |
| shuffleboard or checkers all provide for easily | | | | together and discuss the merits, likes and dislikes of |
| assembled team or individual competition. And the | | | | the stories they read. The communication encourages |
| suspense surrounding who will win this year's | | | | healthy discourse and often leads to discovery of |
| residential "championship" in any given event can get | | | | common ground beyond the words on the pages. |
| the competitive juices flowing and give residents | | | | Senior living in Dallas doesn't have to be boring. Also, |
| something to look forward to (spectators and | | | | arranged tours with educated guides around the city |
| participants alike) as the next match approaches. | | | | can be very thrilling, and should be considered |
| - As great as nature is, it is even greater in Dallas. | | | | whenever the opportunity arises. |
| The area provides for mild days far later in the year | | | | Dallas has a great deal to offer, a fact that should be |
| than many northern locations, and this should be | | | | taken advantage of in the interest of improving the |
| taken advantage of to encourage residents to | | | | quality of assisted living all around. |
| maximize outdoor fun. Croquet, group hikes, nature | | | | |