Residents Create “Joyful Moments” Around the World with VR Travel and More
Thanks to creative imagination and fun-filled activity planning, residents of Allendale Senior Living “set sail” for a fun-filled cruise
around the world in celebration of National Assisted Living Week® in September. By all accounts, the exciting activities exceeded expectations with a travel-themed journey, offering participants the chance to create “Joyful Moments,” according to Lynda Gaspard-Craan, executive director of Allendale Senior Living.
“The best part of the weeklong celebration is seeing all the residents excited and participating in our events and special meals,” said Gaspard-Craan. “Our commitment comes from our team and their ability to create experiences for residents that speak to their interests and passions.”
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) established National Assisted Living Week in 1995, offering opportunities for residents and their loved ones, center staff and volunteers to recognize and celebrate the importance of assisted living care in the community for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The theme of this year’s
celebration, “Joyful Moments,” provided the chance for centers to get creative in developing unique and fun ways to further deepen the sense of community for residents at Allendale Senior Living.
With stops in Jamaica on Monday, Greece on Tuesday, Cuba on Wednesday and France on Thursday, residents woke up to a new virtual “cruise port” every day. They were treated to guided tours, food and signature drinks and plenty of opportunities to get moving including Spin Fit (a tour of the countries) and Samba Fitness. The adventure concluded with a local celebration of Allendale Senior Living’s “home port” on Friday. There were smiles all around as participants enjoyed a host of daily activities including a car show, festivals and Rendever® virtual reality tours. Many residents at Allendale Senior Living said they were delighted with the opportunity
to try out virtual reality goggles that made the visits feel so real, Gaspard-Craan said. Additionally, segments of OneVoice, a resident-driven podcast program, were featured throughout the week with stories, themed of course, with “Joyful Moments.”
“This generation has given us so much and Assisted Living Week is a time to celebrate them and give back to them,” Gaspard-Craan said. “We want our residents to feel special and experience new places they may have never been.”
About Allendale Senior Living
At Allendale Senior Living in Allendale, N.J., residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle with everything they need on campus. With beautifully appointed apartments, gourmet dining, onsite rehab care, and an engaging mix of programming and activities, residents have access to the services they need, when they need them. Experience this charming community by scheduling a visit and tour. Call (201) 825-0660 for more information.
