Finding Comfort and Care at Assisted Living Communities

Article submitted by NewSeasons Assisted Living Communities.
For more information, they can be reached at 800-477-0747.

It's a scene played in homes all over America. An 86-year-old grandmother sits in front of the television, CNN her daily - and only - companion. She watches non-stop. It is her one connection to the world. She cannot drive, walks only short distances with the aid of a cane or walker and rarely cooks for fear of forgetting to turn off the oven.

She waits anxiously for a daily visit from her only daughter, a single night out for dinner, and a trip to the hairdresser on Saturday - which is all the time her daughter can spare out of her busy life. She doesn't need daily nursing care, but she could use a little help with the chores. She is lonely, bored and steadily declining both mentally and physically.

But she doesn't have to live this way.

Many seniors are reluctant to give up their independence for an assisted living program. For some, it's fear of losing their independence or being forgotten by family. But for many, assisted living has offered a second chance at life, love and the joys of social interaction in a caring, comfortable setting that may seem more like a four-star hotel.

Bob Aster -a resident of NewSeasons at Hill House who has suffered from the debilitating affects of Parkinson's Disease for the past 28 years - has found that becoming part of an assisted living community has not only brought him closer to his family, but has also relieved his depression and helped forge friendships that have kept him active, alert and happy.

At NewSeasons at Hill House, Bob regularly participates in strength-training classes, calls Bingo games and shoots pool with friends. He's written countless articles about Parkinson's, spoken with media and newspapers to help get the word out. He's even working on a book of his own.

Says Bob, "I'm so happy it's not even funny! I'm the happiest I've ever been...and now I can help others too!"

Bob's story is often repeated at NewSeasons Assisted Living communities throughout the region. At NewSeasons at MountainView, Lee Everett has overcome the stroke-related loss of function in his right arm and thanks to physical therapy, has begun painting again - this time with his left arm. His paintings are just as good, if not better, than before. And for Lee Skoog and Tim Williams, seeing their parents move to assisted living was a welcome joy. "We don't have to worry alone anymore," says Lee. "It's nice to know our parents are truly cared for, eating great food, and staying active with the friends they've made in assisted living."

Making the decision to move to assisted living is never easy. But such a move has helped many find the comfort, care and community missed during the lonely hours spent in front of the television. If a loved one's only friend is CNN, maybe it's time to enrich their lives through assisted living. Consider visiting a nearby community near today.