Four Decades and Counting: National Assisted Living Week 2024

From September 8-14 we celebrated National Assisted Living Week. The week-long celebration honors Assisted Living residents and the amazing staff that serve them across the country. It gives all of us a chance to reflect on the increasing importance of assisted living as a long-term care option.

National Assisted Living Week was created jointly by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National center for Assisted Living (NCAL) more than four decades ago, so it’s appropriate that this year’s theme was “Inspiring Generations.”

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Generations ago, it was common to see multi-generational households. As elders started to need assistance with daily activities or their mental acuity diminished, younger family members were right at hand to lend a hand. Even today, an aging parent may move in with adult children for greater peace of mind as well as togetherness.

But that arrangement is not always possible, or even desirable. And in the past, the only alternative was a nursing home. Assisted living facilities were created to fill the gap for seniors who need a little help (or progressively more help) to remain otherwise independent. This has proven to be an invaluable solution, individually and communally, for America’s seniors.

Dr. Karen Wilson is considered the “mother” of assisted living, opening the first such facility in Oregon, in 1981. However, it is notable that by the time she coined that phrase, Magnolia Manor had already been serving the elderly of South Georgia for two decades. Our story of service is an inspiring one.

Today, more than 800,000 women and men now reside in assisted living nationwide, according to AHCA/NCAL.

Honoring Assisted Living Residents and Staff the Magnolia Manor Way

We love our multi-generational campus communities that include all ages of staff along with our senior residents. We especially love that families, friends, and community members come from off-campus to visit and participate in many of our events. Some of our residents chose Magnolia Manor in order to be closer to younger generations and, conversely, some adult children and grandchildren have moved to be nearer to their elder loved one living at Magnolia Manor.

Because Assisted Living is such a key part of life on so many of our campuses, you can bet we took active note of National Assisted Living Week. Here are a few examples (it’s obvious we love our tasty treats!) See the smiles in our photo gallery.

Mattie H. Marshall Memory Care Center in Americus

• Families visited for Muffins with Mom & Dad, we had a pizza party, and Scoops of Americus brought their portable ice cream stand for Western Day. Residents and staff dressed in western-style attire.
• Residents, staff and families enjoyed the Mattie Marshall Carnival, complete with carnival-style food and games and a special visit from the nursing students at Georgia Southwestern State University.

Americus Retirement Center

• Residents celebrated Grandparents Day with families and the Central Baptist Church Youth Group. We held a Fishing Day at our campus pond, followed by a barbeque lunch. And residents learned to make Walking Banana Pudding.
• On Wednesday, 9/11, we hosted Coffee with Cops & First Responders in appreciation for their service and in remembrance of all those who served on the 9/11 rescue team.

Columbus Specialized Memory Care Assisted Living

• Family and friends joined residents and staff for a Carnival & Fiesta.

Macon Assisted Living

• We had a good, old-fashioned picnic with family and friends and capped off the week with The Tattnall Square Academy’s Children’s Choir, which performed songs and did arts and crafts with the residents.

What Is Assisted Living Really Like?

If you’re just starting to consider assisted living for your aging mom or dad (or thinking ahead for yourself), this guide is a must-read to learn what modern AL is really like. (Spoiler alert: it’s pretty great if you choose a community that matches your personal preferences as well as care needs.) Within the Magnolia Manor family, we offer Assisted Living at six campuses that are as uniquely different as those who live and work there:

• Columbus
• Macon
• Moultrie
• Richmond Hill
• St. Marys

It’s easy to find out more. Just contact us with questions or to schedule a personal tour.