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