In his 2023 report, then Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, warned about the health effects of loneliness and isolation. The findings, based on decades of research, should ring alarm bells for those who have older loved ones who live alone.
According to the report, a lack of social connection is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and poses a greater risk to longevity than obesity and physical inactivity. What’s more, poor social relationships increase the risk for heart disease and stroke by as much as 32 percent. For older adults especially, evidence also links social isolation and loneliness with accelerated cognitive decline and a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia.
Faced with the dire consequences of social isolation and loneliness, it’s imperative for older adults who live alone to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Of course, that’s easier said than done for many older adults.
Arthritis and other conditions can make it difficult to get around. Even bathing and dressing can be a struggle. And if you can’t drive, you’re dependent on others to take you where you want to go. It’s no wonder older adults who live alone don’t get out as much as they used to. As their social circle shrinks, so does their quality of life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Moving to an assisted living and memory support community like The Woodlands Inn can foster new friendships and empower residents to move past their limitations.
An innovative, small-home model for assisted living and memory support.
The Woodlands Inn offers a more intimate environment for residents than typical assisted living and memory support communities. Designed with details that evoke the charms of a small New England inn, The Woodlands Inn consists of four households that accommodate just 10 residents each.
The small size of each household makes it easier for residents to build meaningful relationships with one another. They always have friends nearby they can talk to, play games with, gather with for cookouts on the patio, even participate in meal preparation if they wish.
Dedicated innkeepers build trust and a sense of belonging.
A consistent team of innkeepers get to know each resident personally — their history and routines, how they like to spend their days, and the specific types of care and assistance they need and want.
In addition to helping with daily needs, innkeepers plan fitness and educational programs, social events, and recreational opportunities to match residents’ interests and build a sense of family within the household.
With a dedicated team and a small-home approach to physical, social and emotional support for each resident, The Woodlands Inn is more than just a place to live. It’s a place to thrive.
The Woodlands Inn accepts direct admission on a space-available basis. To learn more about our small-home model for assisted living and memory support, use our contact form or call 978.725.3300 to speak with a member of our team.