One of the things you give up when you move into an assisted living community is space. There's no denying that an assisted living apartment is probably smaller than the family home you left (or will leave). There's a reason it's called downsizing.
But that's not a bad thing. For many seniors, downsizing is a form of freedom. You keep all the things you need to live an independent, vibrant life, and after a while, you might realize that some of the things from your previous life chapters were acting like weights holding you back. Once you move into one of our Bethesda Senior Living Communities, suddenly you're freed from obligations, such as lawncare, home maintenance and even heavy housekeeping (which includes dusting and organizing a lot of stuff you might not use anymore).
Whether you're looking at downsizing as a blessing or a bit hesitant to begin the process, consider this. We believe that the residents who chose our assisted living communities downsized physically in order to upsize spiritually, mentally and socially. A consistent schedule of optional activities, the ability to engage in challenging games and conversations with neighbors and hot meals served to you restaurant-style are just some of the benefits you get when you move into one of our assisted living communities.
Since our communities are faith-based, you also get a wide range of benefits if you're seeking spiritual care and fellowship. Here are just a few faith factors you certainly don't sacrifice by making the move into one of the Bethesda Senior Living Communities properties.
Psalm 95:6 encourages us to, "worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!"
Whether you're able to kneel or not, faith-based assisted living communities offer you the chance to continue worshiping together with other believers. Most offer Sunday worship services on the property, and many schedule transportation to local church events so seniors can experience a wide variety of worship to feed them spiritually. On-site devotionals, mass or Communion may also be options, and seniors who are able to drive or travel with others can still attend worship services at local churches in the area surrounding their assisted living community.
Many of our Bethesda Senior Gardens Communities offer scheduled Bible study weekly that any resident can join in. If a scheduled Bible study isn't at a time that's convenient for you, you can also start up your own with friends or join in an unofficial study started by another resident in the community. Again, seniors who are able to walk, drive or use public transportation to access nearby churches and senior centers may also be able to take part in Bible studies in the neighborhood.
Prayer life is a deeply personal consideration, and certainly not something you have to give up because you moved into an assisted living community. In fact, some residents may find that their prayer life is enhanced because they have more time to attend to it.
One of the biggest benefits of a faith-based assisted living community when it comes to prayer is that you get new neighbors to pray for — and they can also pray for you. James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
As you settle into your assisted living community, take time to pray for those you meet and begin getting to know them. Join in on prayer meetings or partnerships that might exist, or consider starting your own to bring other residents together for the purpose of prayer.
We love that our senior living communities take some day-to-day burdens off our residents' shoulders. Staff members are always willing to offer a helping hand, and some of the amenities at the communities include housekeeping, optional medication management and meals.
But something that delights us even more is what many of the residents at our communities do with their extra time. While being served by the assisted living staff, many seniors provide service to other residents, the surrounding community and their friends and family. They do this via a wide range of volunteer projects, including teaching Sunday school or reading to kids at local libraries, making blankets or hats for the less fortunate or heading up card ministries.
Fellowship is something that many seniors gain in spades when they decide to move into an assisted living community. Suddenly, you're surrounded by seniors of faith all doing the same thing you are — downsizing and getting ready to enjoy the next chapter in their lives. It's easier than ever to make new Christian friends. Even if you're someone who is hesitant to speak to others on your own, you can join in on abundant social activities, outings, games and exercise programs to meet new people.
Moving into an assisted living community can be a big decision. But one thing is certain. If you're a senior of faith who chooses the right community, you don't have to sacrifice any of your faith activities.
