One of the best aspects of assisted living communities is the focus on socialization with peers and staff members. Seniors who feel connected to peers and social networks are generally more healthy both physically and emotionally, according to the National Institute on Aging. Fortunately, assisted living communities are designed to foster these supportive relationships between neighbors and caregivers, which can mean that moving to a senior living community has the potential to make residents healthier.
At Arbor Terrace Shrewsbury, we create an environment and atmosphere that fosters connection, but not just between neighbors. We also encourage family involvement and simply love when we see grandchildren and great-grandchildren coming to visit their loved ones here. We know that research points to health benefits for grandparents who have a strong relationship with their grandkids and do our best to make our community feel welcoming to visitors of all ages.
If you are wondering whether we offer enough activities that include grandchildren on our campus, here are just a few ideas of things you can do during your next visit.
Play a Game
Our Engagement department always has games stocked in our library and activities room. Stop by together to “shop” for one you’d both enjoy playing. Then, take the game back to your loved one’s apartment or to any of our community’s nooks to play a round or two.
Attend an Event Together
Activities and events at Arbor Terrace are always open to our residents and visitors alike. Take a look at the event calendar for the day you will be visiting and see if there is anything happening that you could both enjoy together. Music concerts, craft classes, and art workshops are usually a hit with residents and their grandkids. Don’t be shy to join in the fun!
Try Some Technology
Even the most tech-savvy seniors are nowhere near as good with technology as kids these days. Use your visit to experiment with technology together. A high school grandchild can show off their favorite silly TikTok videos while an elementary school grandchild can play a round of their favorite educational video game with their grandparent. FaceTime with a relative or post a photo to social media and watch together as the comments and likes roll in. It’s a fun intergenerational activity that everyone will love.
Create Art
Working on an art piece or craft project together is not only fun, but it also has great cognitive and fine-motor-skill benefits (for Grandma and Grandchild). You can bring your own supplies for your visit or talk to our Engagement department to see what supplies they have on hand to share. Work in our activities room, library, or your loved one’s apartment.
Complete a Scavenger Hunt
Though this one takes some advanced planning, a scavenger hunt is a fun way to spend the afternoon together. Put together a list of interesting things for a grandchild and grandparent to look for throughout the community. You can even call ahead to talk to staff members for some inspiration for your hunt. This can be a fun activity, but can also have real health benefits because it will get everyone out, about, and walking.
Have a Meal Together
Our dining room is always open to guests as long as they purchase a guest ticket at the front desk. We’d love to pull up a chair for a grandchild so they can enjoy a delicious meal with their loved one. Don’t worry — there’s always dessert!
Arbor Terrace Shrewsbury was designed for the seniors we serve, and we want family visits to be a big part of the lifestyle here. We’d love for you to visit soon and enjoy time with your loved one.
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