By: Beth Jarrell, Heritage at Dover Assisted Living & Cheryl Stover, Heritage at Milford Assisted Living

Did you know Pablo Picasso was still working on paintings and drawings right up until he left this life at the age of 92? While this is just one example of the connection between creativity and vitality, the link is undeniable. Numerous studies have proven that creativity can have a significant effect on quality of life and perceived well-being and that older adults engaged in the arts generally feel healthier, more confident and more satisfied than those who are not.

Researchers agree that the key components of successful aging include exercise, social engagement and a positive mental attitude. Creative activities such as painting, dancing, theater, music and storytelling can encompass all three! Studies suggest that older adults who participated in creative activities may have longer, healthier lives, and suffer less debility over time than their peers. But if you need more proof of the connection between creativity and longevity, look no further than the 1972 research study by Dawson and Baller. This study compared an elderly group of subjects who were taught oil painting for 18 weeks with another group of similar age who received no instruction. Two years later, a whopping 72%of the experimental group still painted. Moreover, a follow-up analysis ten years later revealed:

• 67% of the instructed group were still living, compared with only 38% of the control group
• 100% of the surviving experimental subjects were mentally alert, compared with only 62% of the living control subjects
• All of the experimental group subjects were still physically active, while 38% of the control group subjects were confined to bed

Simply put, creativity and self-expression promote a quality of life that keeps us mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically healthy. Why? Because creativity improves problem-solving skills, helps us work through emotions and fosters community involvement.

So, if you’re not already involved in some creative outlet, it is never too late. Get started now! Pick up a guitar or a paintbrush; lace up your dancing shoes—whatever tickles your fancy—and get creative!

This is why it is so important to choose the correct assisted living residence for yourself or someone you love.

Assisted Living: Tips For Choosing the Right Residence

When it comes time to choose an assisted living residence, you might feel overwhelmed with all the options available. To help make the selection process simpler, the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) lists the following, among many others, as important factors to consider:

*Services and Activities. The prospective resident’s daily care needs should be listed and compared with the services that are provided by the community. It is also important to know whether a pharmacy is available, a hairdresser is on site and if transportation is accessible to get to shopping or other community locations.
It is important that a variety of planned activities are provided within the residence and the community. Activities help residents relate and bring them a sense of belonging. Also, find out if small pets are allowed and what the policies are for their care.

*Staff. Inquiring about the required training and qualifications, in addition to the community’s general staff philosophy, is important. Visiting the community and personally observing the interactions between staff and residents is also a great way to judge the compatibility of the community and the prospective resident.

*Costs and Fees. A clear understanding of the monthly costs required and awareness of circumstances/services that may incur additional fees is beneficial. Check if cable TV and phone service is available and at what charge if not included in basic room rates. Read the contract thoroughly, remembering to ask any questions that are not addressed. Always keep a copy of the contract for your personal records.

*Dining and Food Services. The food must be fresh and diverse, and the residents should have a choice of entrée and dessert. Find out if residents are able to give feedback and input on meal choices. Also, ask if meals can be delivered when a resident is unable to get to the dining area and if the kitchen can provide for special dietary needs.

*Living Space and Accommodations. A residence should be pleasing to the eye, but accessibility is essential. Doorways and hallways should be wide enough for residents to maneuver wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers. Elevators and handrails should be available and good lighting should be supplied throughout. Depending on whether privacy is preferred, it may be helpful to see if both single and double occupancy suites are available. Residences should allow decorating and personal furnishings, which provide comfort and familiar surroundings.

When choosing an assisted living residence, consider all the options. Written materials can be useful tools for comparing each residence. Also, before a decision is made, several visits to the residences can help verify top choices. In the end, by researching and reviewing all aspects of assisted living, the transition will be much easier for the resident.

Heritage at Milford and Heritage at Dover will welcome your questions and offer assistance by providing written information and tours of our facility. Just give us a call. Contact Cheryl Stover at the Milford location at (302) 422-8700 or Beth Jarrell at Dover (302)735-8800. We look forward to seeing you.