How Our Assisted Living Prevents Social Isolation in Seniors

Sometimes it’s a smile or a friendly wave. Other times, it might be an invitation to movie night or the latest activity at Coastal Pointe. Together, they weave a tapestry of caring and concern that fills the atmosphere at our assisted living community in Shallotte.

Social isolation in seniors can not only be disheartening, but it can also lead to multiple problems affecting both mental and physical health. Fortunately, assisted living can go a long way toward establishing positive connections that make a profound difference in the lives of the residents we serve.

At Coastal Pointe, there’s always time for a pleasant discussion or meeting new neighbors. We pride ourselves in being family-owned and operated, which means we have a vested interest in our community…and our residents. We treat them with the same dignity and respect that we would if they were members of our family. Want to learn more? Simply schedule a tour.

Now, let’s take a look at how living in an assisted living community can go a long way toward alleviating social isolation in seniors.

How Do Assisted Living Facilities Prevent Social Isolation in Seniors?

There are several ways assisted living communities can prevent social isolation. We’ll touch base on a few of them.

What Kinds of Social Activities/Events Are Offered for Seniors in Assisted Living?

Social activities are key in helping fight isolation. Not only do they provide events to keep residents busy, but they also open the door for making new friends or discovering a new hobby. Following are a few examples from Coastal Pointe:

  • Group meetings: A resident committee or just a chat at our coffee shop can provide a great chance for fellowship.
  • Community-focused activities: At Coastal Pointe, we pride ourselves in keeping a busy events calendar, so our residents have a variety of activities to select from, including:
    • Exercise classes
    • Chair aerobics
    • Featured movies
    • Walking clubs
    • Bingo
    • Pet therapy
    • Choir practice
    • Religious services

A Positive Physical Environment Can Encourage Interaction

Studies have shown that having a positive physical environment can go a long way toward lifting the spirits. At Coastal Pointe, our Main Street decor was geared to help spark pleasant memories of home. 

Benefits of Social Interaction for Seniors

Social interaction provides advantages that go beyond quality of life. Certainly, making new friends and participating in engaging activities go a long way toward a happier outlook, but did you know that there are dangerous physical consequences of social isolation?

Studies indicate that those who are socially isolated and lonely are at much greater risk for health issues such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Weak immune systems
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Alzheimer’s disease 
  • Cognitive decline

However, it’s important to note that being alone doesn’t mean you’re socially isolated or even necessarily lonely. It’s also crucial to realize that some people can still feel lonely even if they are surrounded by family, friends and neighbors. 

At Coastal Pointe, we believe that caring for our residents extends to the entire person. That means not just physically, but mentally and socially as well. We see each of our residents as a vital aspect of our community, and we encourage as much involvement as they prefer. 

How Often Do Staff Members Interact with Residents?

This can vary dramatically depending on your assisted living community. As we mentioned earlier, at Coastal Pointe, we consider you a part of our neighborhood family. You’ll interact with our staff multiple times every day, whether we’re fixing a lightbulb in your unit, managing your medications, or just stopping by for a friendly “hello.” 

Studies have shown that this kind of social interaction is vital to combat loneliness and other issues that arise from social isolation among seniors.

With Coastal Pointe, You’re Not Alone: Check Out The Benefits of Our Assisted Living Community in Shallotte

We recognize that mental and physical health are closely tied to social interaction, and several studies have demonstrated that seniors who are socially isolated have more health problems than those who are not. 

That’s why we consider it so important to provide the opportunity to engage with other members of our community. With a variety of activities, you’re likely to find something you enjoy—and friends with which to enjoy it. 

Maybe you’re tired of the aspects of home maintenance, perhaps you need a helping hand now and again, or maybe you want to be in a thriving community full of things to do. No matter your reason for searching for assisted living, Coastal Pointe checks all the boxes. Contact us to schedule a tour.

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Sources:

Harvard Health/Harvard Medical School, “How Social Isolation Affects Memory and Thinking Skills,” https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-isolation-affects-memory-and-thinking-skills

National Institute on Aging, “Social Isolation, Loneliness in Older People Pose Health Risks https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks 

Taylor HO, Wang Y, Morrow-Howell N. Loneliness in senior housing communities. J Gerontol Soc Work. 2018 Aug-Sep;61(6):623-639. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6938254/#:~:text=In%20a%20review%20conducted%20for,Elder%20%26%20Retrum%2C%202012).