Combating Loneliness in the Elderly

How Family Visits and Fun Activities Make All the Difference at Summervale

Growing older comes with a unique set of challenges, and one of the most pressing issues many seniors face is loneliness. At Summervale Care Centre, we understand how loneliness can affect the elderly, not just emotionally but physically as well. That’s why we believe that keeping our residents socially engaged is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. And what better way to do that than by making sure our residents stay connected to their families and are actively involved in a variety of fun, stimulating activities?

The Power of Family Visits: Bringing Love and Laughter

There’s truly nothing like a visit from family to lift the spirits of our residents. Seeing a familiar face, sharing a laugh, or simply enjoying each other’s company can do wonders for their emotional well-being. Family visits give our residents something to look forward to and remind them that they are cherished and loved.

We encourage family members to come as often as possible and spend meaningful time with their loved ones. Bring stories from home, talk about favorite memories, or maybe even join in on some of the activities we have here at Summervale. There’s no better way to make a resident feel connected than with the loving presence of family. If you’re looking for ways to make the visits even more special, why not bring along a favorite photo album, play a board game together, or sit in the garden and soak up some sunshine?

Weekly Activities: Creativity, Movement, and Music Galore!

At Summervale, we’ve built a weekly schedule full of activities designed to keep our residents engaged, entertained, and most importantly—connected with one another. These activities not only fill their days with joy but also give them the chance to make new friends and try new things.

• Art Classes: Whether it’s painting, drawing, or crafting, our art sessions bring out the creativity in everyone. Residents love to express themselves through these sessions, and the results are often heartwarming. Sometimes, the best masterpiece is the laughter and conversation that accompany these classes!
• Exercise: Staying physically active is important for everyone, and our gentle exercise sessions help residents maintain mobility and balance. It’s not just about keeping fit; it’s also about having fun and moving to some music.
• Music Therapy: Music is magic! It lifts the spirit, stirs the soul, and often brings a sparkle to the eye of our residents. Whether it’s a sing-along or simply listening to their favorite songs, music therapy sessions always bring smiles.

Ad Hoc Activities: Sunshine, Cards, and a Little Vitamin D

We all know that scheduled activities are great, but sometimes, the most fun comes from spontaneous moments of joy. At Summervale, we love to surprise our residents with ad hoc activities that get them out of their rooms and into the fresh air.

On a sunny day, we’ll often gather everyone outside for tea and games like cards, dominoes, or a lively round of bingo. It’s not on the calendar, but that’s what makes it special! These simple pleasures—getting some vitamin D, laughing over a deck of cards, and spending time with others—are what make life at Summervale feel like home.

Our gardens are a peaceful haven, and we often take small groups of residents on leisurely walks to soak in the beauty of the outdoors. There’s something about the sunshine and greenery that brightens the day, and we’re lucky to have such beautiful surroundings.

Helping Families Stay Connected

We understand that it’s not always easy to visit regularly, but we encourage families to join in on our activities whenever they can. Whether it’s art class, a music session, or just a casual tea break outside, these shared experiences can create lasting memories and make the transition to assisted living feel much more like a new adventure than a daunting change.

A Warm Invitation to Summervale Care Centre

At Summervale, we take pride in making sure that our residents don’t just live—they thrive. We’re all about creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels like they belong. And if you’re looking for assisted living or frail care in the Helderberg area, we’d love for you to come see us! Bring your parent or loved one for a tour, and let them experience the friendly atmosphere and active community for themselves. There’s always something going on, and we’re confident that they’ll find Summervale to be a place where they can feel at home, make new friends, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Come visit us, enjoy a walk in our beautiful gardens, and let us show you how we’re making a difference in the lives of our residents every day.