The Gift of Community
Where do you start when a family member has memory or physical challenges but still desires to live at home? Families often start care planning when they see risks to a person’s physical safety, but isolation can also take a toll on aging adults much earlier.
“Unfortunately families often fear a move to assisted living,” says Kate Mach, Community Relations Associate for Jennings at Notre Dame Village. “But honestly it’s a gift instead of living alone. It’s the gift of community, where people are thriving with their peers.”
The National Institute on Aging cites that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and swift cognitive decline. Finding purpose, living meaningful days, and retaining skills is important for every individual, especially those living with memory challenges. Jennings at Notre Dame Village serves residents with a unique holistic philosophy in its specialized “small house” memory care residences. Kate states that purpose, combined with community, helps residents continue living life.
"Often people regain independence when they move to assisted living,” Kate explains. “With physical barriers removed, they are engaged with neighbors and they have a routine to their day that can be life changing.”
