Independent Living for Seniors

Ways to Prepare for Summer in Independent Living for Seniors

/in /by

Summer is a time for travel, family, and fun for many Americans. Following the COVID-19 travel bans, people have had to alter many of their usual summer activities, including those in independent living for seniors.

 

This year as restrictions are slowly lifting, many people are looking forward to enjoying the summer and make up for the time lost. But since the pandemic is far from over yet, people are always reminded to stay safe and be mindful of the guidelines when planning their summer this year.

 

Residents can spend the summer outdoors

 

Going outside will encourage light exercise and promote socialization. It is in fact important to maintain a healthy senior lifestyle. Thus, seniors can pick from a handful of great outdoor activities that should be easy for caregivers to arrange.

 

But seniors need to be consulted if they are comfortable going outside because some of them might suffer from allergies that need to be given extra care. Since travel is not possible for seniors, spending time outdoors must be done according to COVID-19 protocols.

 

Seniors can go outdoors safely during pandemic

 

It is actually beneficial for everyone to spend time outdoors to boost the mental and physical health. If elders in independent living for seniors are going outdoors for a healthy routine, they need to follow the basic safety guidelines as specified by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention to make the time outdoors even more fun and responsible.

 

  • Always follow daily sanitation and safety measures
  • Practice physical distancing and stay close to independent living for seniors
  • Choose safe outdoor activities seniors can do during the pandemic

Outdoor activities seniors can do during pandemic

 

Going outdoors is vital to improve your physical and mental well-being. Here are possible outdoor activities that independent living for seniors can manage to provide their residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

  • Explore the surroundings and discover the natural beauty in the area
  • Take a nature walk
  • Spend time for a bike ride
  • Camp at a nearby space such as the backyard
  • Go out for a run
  • Visit a local park to unwind

 

Tips for residents to follow when going outside

 

Above all else, older adults are at greater risk of dying or requiring hospitalization if diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease. Moreover, the risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age and older adults are at a much higher risk.

 

It is also important to note that certain medical conditions can also heighten the risk for severe illness. At the same time, people who come in contact, live, or visit them in independent living for seniors need to take precautions to get protection against transmission.

 

Here are reminders for seniors to make the summer even more fun and exciting outdoors:

 

  • Practice social distancing
  • Wear a face mask
  • Visit recreation facility or park close to independent living for seniors
  • Bring hand sanitizer
  • Do not touch any outdoor equipment or surface
  • Review the local guidelines and rules about going out for the summer

On the market for a comfortable and reliable senior living facility? Click here to visit our information page on assisted living floor plans!

Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Independent Living for Seniors Ashland NE

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Assisted Living Facilities

/in /by

The Battle of Puebla Day, or Cinco de Mayo, takes place on the fifth of May to commemorate the victory of Mexico over France. Although this has been a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the U.S. as a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage.

 

The event is celebrated in areas with large Mexican American populations. But it does not indicate Mexican Independence Day because it only celebrates one battle in the state of Puebla led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

 

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico

 

The celebration of Cinco de Mayo is mainly observed in Puebla, but other parts of the country also participate in the celebration. Traditional celebration includes military parades, recreation of the Battle of Puebla, and other festive events. But it is not a federal holiday, so banks, offices, and stores remain open during this day.

 

Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.

 

Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. celebrates of Mexican heritage and culture. The celebrations take place in areas where Mexican American populations are substantial.

 

In the 1960s, Chicano activists were spreading knowledge of the holiday. Their mission was to bring awareness to the victory of the Indigenous Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.

 

Nowadays, the occasion brings mariachi bands, parades, parties, Mexican folk dancing, and traditional foods like mole poblano and tacos. The largest festivals happen in the cities of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.

 

Cinco de Mayo in assisted living facilities

 

As part of American tradition, Cinco de Mayo comes with a variety of Mexican foods and margaritas. So, learning more culturally accurate and respectful ways to honor this day is important for everyone.

 

There are indeed countless options to celebrate the occasion in assisted living facilities this year.

 

  • Residents in assisted living facilities can commemorate the event by wearing Cinco de Mayo-inspired outfits in red, white, and green accents, mainly the colors of the Mexican flag.

 

  • Hang decorations.

 

Hanging balloons, confetti, and streamers with red, white, and green accent can be very festive and commemorative of the occasion.

 

  • Cinco de Mayo menu

 

Eating Mexican food is probably the best way to celebrate the occasion on May 5. Of course, it is not on the menu every single day. So, partaking in the sumptuous Mexican menu is always an option.

 

  • Cinco de Mayo games

 

Residents can celebrate the Cinco de Mayo by participating in the games most suitable for the occasion. For example, here are some of the games you can coordinate with the management of the assisted living facilities to help you out.

 

    • Piñata-hitting party
    • Taco bar lunch
    • Salsa tasting for residents
    • Pass the sombrero
    • Peso toss

 

 

So, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo in assisted living facilities never ends there. In fact, you can hire a traditional Mariachi band to perform during mealtime or hold a salsa dancing class.

Looking for a comfortable and reliable assisted living facility? Click here to be taken to our information page!

Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco