WASHINGTON, D.C. – Beginning today and continuing through Saturday, Sept. 15, America’s assisted living communities are celebrating National Assisted Living Week® (NALW). The national observance—which begins each year on National Grandparents Day—honors the individuals served, as well as the individuals who serve, in assisted living and residential care communities across the nation with special activities and events.
Created by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, NALW this year asks participants to “Capture the Moment.” The theme aims to remind assisted living staff to focus on the everyday interactions with residents that can ensure high quality, person-centered care.
“National Assisted Living Week allows us to celebrate the incredible contributions of assisted living communities in providing life-affirming care to millions of Americans,” said Scott Tittle, Executive Director of NCAL. “Caregivers often know the little things that help make each resident feel special, and communities offer enriching programming to meet residents’ holistic needs.”
Additionally, the theme hopes to inspire residents to seize the day while simultaneously, supports reflection upon the pivotal moments in residents’ lives.
“‘Capture the Moment’ reminds us to focus on the things that give our lives purpose, to be present in the here and now, and to be grateful for every moment,” said Tittle. “No matter the health or age of an assisted living resident, and no matter the pressures of a caregiver, we all have something to give each and every day.”
The annual observance inspires assisted living communities around the country to offer a variety of events and activities to bring residents, staff and volunteers together, as well as to help educate members of the public. Due to the theme’s reference to photography, participants are encouraged to take and share pictures or videos, with patient consent, throughout the week. Members of the public are encouraged to visit an assisted living community to volunteer or learn more about this distinct aspect of long term care.
Assisted living caregivers and members of the public are asked to share their celebrations throughout the week on social media with the hashtag, #NALW. For more information on National Assisted Living Week, please visit www.nalw.org.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 13,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahca.org or www.ncal.org.