National Assisted Living Week Sept. 13-19
Contact:
Tess Hedrick
Sanford Health Media Relations
(605) 366-2432 / tess.hedrick@sanfordhealth.org
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Sept. 14, 2020 — Each year, one week is set aside to celebrate assisted living residents and staff throughout the country. The weeklong observation kicks off Sunday, Sept. 13 and runs through Saturday, Sept. 19.
Nearly 800,000 Americans live in assisted living with more than half of residents over the age of 85. Residents are still able to live somewhat independently but may need help with a few daily living activities. According to the National Association for Assisted Living, 64% of residents need help with bathing, 57% need help with walking and 48% need help with dressing.
At Good Samaritan Society — one of the largest not-for-profit providers of senior care and services in the United States — and for assisted living locations everywhere, this year looks vastly different because of COVID-19. With strict visitor policies in place to protect residents from the contagious virus, staff has gotten creative with keeping families connected to their loved ones and building camaraderie.
“At Good Samaritan Society, we think of and treat our residents like family,” said Randy Bury, President and CEO of Good Samaritan Society. “Our staff goes above and beyond to provide an environment that is safe and one that residents are proud to call home.”
So what is it like to live and work in assisted living during a pandemic? Step (virtually) inside one of our assisted living locations and speak to residents and staff on how they spend their days. Witness the special bonds formed and how staff devotes their time to making sure residents are staying safe, active and happy.
To set up an interview with an assisted living location in your community, contact Tess Hedrick at (605) 366-2432 or tess.hedrick@sanfordhealth.org.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 44 hospitals, 1,400 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and nine countries. Learn more about Sanford Health’s transformative work to improve the human condition at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
About National Assisted Living Week
Established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, National Assisted Living Week provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. The annual observance encourages assisted living communities around the country to offer a variety of events and activities to celebrate the individuals they serve, as well as to help educate members of the public about this distinctive aspect of long term care.
