Discovery Commons Cypress Point - Respite Care

What sets Cypress Point apart from the other assisted living, memory support and short-term respite care communities in Fort Myers? Thats easy.Residents enjoy the convenience of all-day dining, a holistic wellness program, and customized, on-site health services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, the financial flexibility and peace of mind that comes from all-inclusive rates, no entry fees and a month-to-month rental structure.Owned by Omega Communities and located adjacent to the CenturyLink Sports Complex, Cypress Point is setting the stage for a new approach to senior living in the Fort Myers area. The community features 134 brand-new, beautifully appointed residences: 96 assisted living and 38 memory support apartments. Residents have access to a wide range of services, amenities and programs designed with a focus on whole-person wellness. And with the all-day dining service featuring restaurant-style meals prepared by an on-site culinary team, assisted living residents can dine at their leisure.Assisted living at Cypress Point blends independence and personalized support so residents can maintain their way of life while receiving a helping hand. Whether its assistance with daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing and medication management, professional care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each assisted living neighborhood features its own central living room offering plenty of room to enjoy the company of neighbors and staff. And with Cypress Points own holistic wellness program, Masterful Moments, residents can shape the community's lifestyle and personality through their individual interests, experiences and preferences.For those dealing with memory challenges, the staff provide unsurpassed care and a stimulating environment to help residents flourish. This dedication to care is based on the nationally recognized Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's to ensure residents feel secure and valued. Staff learn each residents life story, talents, interests and preferences, to create an individualized care plan using reminiscence tools to capture and preserve special memories. This creates a more person-centered approach to care with activities and programs that are fulfilling, and provide a true sense of purpose and belonging.

Whether we realize it or not, being connected with our community has been a staple of our lives since we were children.  We formed friendships on the bus we took to school every day, attended neighborhood barbeques with the family that sat behind us at church every week or engaged in some light rivalry with the couple down the street who seemed to never lose a game of cards no matter how many times we played against them. Often times, without even realizing it, we are forming bonds with people with whom we have even the slightest bit of interaction with. Think about it when you go to the grocery store, you recognize some people, like the woman who always seems to have the number just before you in the deli line. When you call for takeout, they might know your order by heart simply because of your name or phone number. When your car needs servicing, youll likely take it to the same mechanic or workshop you visited the last time you needed work done.Even these small, ordinary interactions are what make us feel like we belong. This very feeling of connectedness is precisely what provides us with a sense of security and the opportunity to form new relationships that are vital to our happiness throughout our entire lives. But, as we age, these little familiarities can disappear. Unfortunately, as we age, the decline in our ability to be physically independent results in a feeling of increased isolation. If we are no longer driving, we dont see that mechanic or that pesky woman at the deli, who in some strange way provided comfort. Now that we are retired, we dont see our co-workers or meet new people who we can form friendships or even acquaintances with. This new dynamic of social isolation has negative side effects both emotionally and physically, but there are solutions.Senior living communities provide more than just the basic necessities of life. Beyond the obvious benefits of onsite care-givers and daily activities that a community provides, it also places seniors in an environment with others who are like-minded. Peers who have similar interests and life experiences, and the prospects of new, fulfilling social interactions.It is not just an apartment or home that one occupies. It is the nod from a neighbor in the hallway. It is the feeling you get when someone calls you by your name or the comfort you feel when the chef knows you dont like onions, so you never have to worry about them showing up on your plate.It is a sense of belonging and that is irreplaceable. 

For more information on Discovery Commons at Cypress Point, Click Here.With the growing elderly population, there are more and more seniors living on their own without assistance. This may seem incredible to some people, but others aren't quite so sure. After all, it cannot be easy to take care of yourself when you get older. With that in mind, many seniors choose to move into assisted living communities instead of remaining in their own homes or with family members. However, choosing an assisted living facility requires careful consideration since there are many different types of assisted living centers out there with varying costs and benefits depending on ones situation and preferences.Be Sure To Pay Attention To Cleanliness And Curb AppealLike choosing a house, making your final decision can be challenging. When considering assisted living communities for your loved one, you want to pay attention to details like cleanliness and curb appeal of buildings and common areas. It is also helpful to look at more personal factors like apartment floor plans and room layout. Before you make a final decision on where to place your loved one, take note of whether or not they will feel at home in their new environment and make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of their new community.Meet The Staff And Caregivers Who Provide Your Care Each DayThe people who live and work in assisted living facilities are committed to your loved ones well-being, so you should get to know them personally. Ask about their professional background, interests, personal life, and any other questions that come up over time. If you're planning on taking regular vacations or even just leaving for a day or two now and then, ask caregivers if they would be comfortable with that. You can learn a lot about an assisted living facility by asking these kinds of questions before you take a tour. Calling ahead may help determine whether or not a particular facility is suitable for your loved one as staff members might talk more openly about what its like at their facility when you're not there.Experience The Culture And Amenities Of The CommunityVisiting a community is an excellent way to feel its culture, programming, and amenities. Is it something you can see yourself thriving in? Does it give you peace of mind that there will be around-the-clock care when you need it? While these questions might seem simple enough, many families don't consider them until after they've moved their loved one in and then realize something isn't right. Its better to think about these things ahead of time and visit multiple communities before making your final decision.Grab A Bite To EatBefore you begin your search, grab a bite to eat and take a breather. The more relaxed you are and not feeling rushed, the easier it will be to consider all of your options and choose what is best for you. Remind yourself that assisted living communities are'nt just another place to live they're a community with 24-hour care and support when needed. If possible, speak with current residents or staff members at various communities. This will help you gain valuable insight into each community's strengths and weaknesses along with its unique personality so that you can find one that feels like home right away.

For more information on Discovery Commons, Click Here.When it comes to moving to assisted living, your loved one will need to be ready for assisted living physically, mentally, and emotionally to ensure that their move can be as successful as possible. The following list outlines several essential questions to ask yourself about your loved ones needs and preferences to determine whether they are ready for this significant life change.FallsAccording to expert estimates, one in three adults aged 65 and older fall each year. Falls are also a common cause of injury among elderly family members living in assisted living communities. Falls can be caused by a variety of factors, including dizziness and uncoordinated movements that lead to trips and falls or an inability to see clearly due to low vision or eyesight problems that impair depth perception and increase ones risk for collisions with furniture or objects in their path. Even when these issues are'nt present, slow reflexes often cause elderly people to take longer than they used to catch themselves after losing their balance or shifting too quickly on their feet.Poor NutritionIf your loved one struggles with poor nutrition, it can indicate they're no longer able to live alone. Poor nutrition can also be a symptom of depression, which is common among older adults in assisted living. If you notice your loved one is'nt eating or looking after them properly, contact an assisted living community right away. They will be able to identify if your loved one is depressed and offer help on how to get them back to normal which might include leaving their current home for an assisted living community.MedicationIf your loved one has been dealing with a chronic condition, there may come a time when he or she is'nt able to be as independent as before. Medication plays an important role in keeping your loved one safe and healthy at home, but it can become increasingly difficult to manage over time. When your loved one is ready for assisted living, you can help by moving him or her into a senior community that offers 24-hour care and medication management. They will also take care of all physical maintenance like maintaining resident records and upkeep on grounds and common areas.TransportationYou have to have a way to get your loved ones to and from their appointments. Do they need transportation for doctors visits? Is it safe for them to drive? It might be time for them to give up driving, significantly if their health is declining or showing signs of dementia or memory loss. Making sure that you have reliable transportation set up can alleviate a lot of stress on you and your family members.LonelinessThe most common reason people cite for moving into assisted living is that they are lonely. Sometimes loneliness stems from not having friends or family who can spend time with you. But sometimes, its because your loved one no longer feels safe living alone at home. The advantages of having a social network are many, including lower rates of depression and higher levels of overall well-being. When your loved one reaches a point where they are'nt comfortable being left alone for long periods even to go to doctor appointments or run errands it may be time to consider an assisted living community.

Some benefits of the SHINE memory care for dementia from memory care communities, like the memory care living program in Bonita Spring, FL, include the assistance from specially trained nursing staff, the peace of mind which arises from knowing that your senior kin is within a safe, secure setting, or interactive events that allow residents to socialize. Here is a review of what to expect when exploring memory care for your loved one within Bonita Spring, FL.The SHINE Memory Care ProgramThe SHINE Memory Care Program refers to a long-term care program specifically designed to satisfy all the needs of senior kin suffering from dementia or alternative memory-related illnesses. Within a closely supervised setting, our residents get to be looked after thoroughly by a team of medical professionals who provide full-time assistance along with medical monitoring and assistance with daily living activities. Our residents may enjoy many interactive activities over the day, keeping their lives occupied and fulfilling.We offer common spaces or activity stations that provide a safe and friendly environment to let you socialize or make more friends. Take comfort in knowing that your close kin is kept in a safe setting. Our professional Memory Care nursing staff will ensure that your senior kin can enjoy their twilight years even if they have dementia or Alzheimers.The SHINE Memory Care Program Training GoalsAchieve Self-Esteem, Confidence, and IndependenceSome activities may ease memory care diseases at Discovery Commons, Cypress Point, and memory care retirement communities. Examples of such activities include:Motivating our residents to take part in activities activelyMaintaining fitness, both mentally and physicallyCelebrating all achievements and advances in progressSustaining social or spiritual friendshipsHoming in to grow your strengths rather than your weaknessesDiscover Dining DelightsWhen needed, nursing assistance promotes a more intentional focus on dining.Meditative Dining is where residents can eat meals in a quiet, calm setting at regular times.Mobile Feeding caters to residents that cannot sit still for a meal or wander off regularly.Nutritious home-cooked meals that are nourishing for seniorsDiscover Fun and Engaging ActivitiesActivities that might suit all senior memory care patients, factoring in their physical needsFriendly, non-competitive, non-threatening activitiesGroup or one-to-one activities that driven by realistic goal settingActivities and events that can accommodate residents memory spansDiscover Friendships and BelongingFun activities that strengthen confidence and boost self-esteemPromote active engagement in personal care activities to give seniors a better sense of control or greater independencePromote social bonds or relaxation through leisure activities or games that raise the quality of lifeSelf-care activities that improve ones perception of how the senior is viewed by their peers, kin, and communityMemory Care at Cypress PointSHINE memory care for dementia applies scientific principles to enhance lifestyle quality, comprehension, or participation for seniors living with dementia, like Alzheimers Disease or more memory-related issues. In our memory care community, you are supervised by a group of experienced team members that nurse with knowledge, empathy, and trained nursing. SHINE memory care for dementia has earned a national Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimers Association, Americas foremost voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimers research and study. It is an award we share with a prestigious and exclusive group of U.S. memory care providers. At Discovery Commons Cypress Point, we understand the challenges that people that have dementia are confronted with. When your family or loved ones join our memory care community, our mission is to facilitate seniors on a journey of being highly aware of their surroundings. All nursing staff are continuing education and specialized training about memory care illnesses. Discovery Commons Cypress Points SHINE memory care for dementia seeks to restore or salvage all dementia has robbed them of.

The past year has been difficult for many individuals and families, and especially for those in their retirement years. Veterans make up a large percentage of residents in our communities, and we here at Discovery Senior Living want to recognize our veterans and their spouses and give insight into the multiple benefits that are available to help support financial needs of those who have served our country. What Kind of Veteran Support is Available?The VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit (also called the A&A pension) is an available resource to both veterans and surviving spouses who need in-home care or who reside in an assisted living community, memory care community or other skilled nursing facility. In order to be eligible for the A&A pension, you must meet these requirements:1) You or your spouse must be a U.S. military veteran at least 65 years of age or older and permanently disabled.2.) You must have had at least 90 consecutive days of active service and must have served at least one day during wartime.You were discharged under anything other than dishonorable conditionsThe A&A pension is tax-free and can assist with certain fees associated with aspects of Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and other long-term care options. VA benefits may also help cover the cost of Respite Care, home health care and other short-term solutions.  Who Can Help You Receive Support?Not only can you ask any Senior Lifestyle Counselor for more information regarding the A&A pension, but speaking with a VA Accredited Advisor of the Department of Veteran Affairs is another wonderful resource when inquiring about veterans benefits. In fact, this would often make a fine first step, even if you or a loved one are actively planning a move or are already receiving care.  Theres no need to delay moving or postpone care, because payments can be retroactive back to the application date. Time is of the essence, however, since even with professional assistance, it can take up to five months to receive notice of acceptance and/or funds for reimbursement. Applications are processed in the order they are received, but some applicants do have the ability to request priority processing depending upon the circumstance. The A&A pension is a wonderful benefit for our veterans, and our team here at Discovery Senior Living wants to ensure that each of our current and prospective residents are aware of the benefits and resources that are available. We honor and appreciate all veterans who have served our country and are proud that so many now make their homes in Discovery Senior Living communities nationwide. Our Senior Lifestyle Counselors are always willing to answer any questions you may have regarding veteran benefits and other, available financial support. Contact a Senior Lifestyle Counselor at your community of choice today to learn more!   

For more information on Discover Commons, Click Here.Malnutrition for the elderly is an extremely worrying trend in the past few years. There are many reasons why this happens inability to prepare healthy meals at home, decreased appetite, digestive issues, or just simply choosing the wrong types of produce. Regardless of the reason, maintaining a balanced diet and sufficient caloric intake is crucial to maintaining good health and an overall better lifestyle.If you or your loved one is currently underweight, here are some high-calorie foods that you can take to help with weight gain.Full-Fat Dairy ProductsThis might sound very counterintuitive for people who have preferred low-fat options for most of their lives. However, a diet full of yogurt, cheese, and full-fat milk is high in calcium, protein, and even good cholesterol. More importantly, they will also be good for people who have dental issues, or those who are only consuming soft foods. A glass of milk between meals will also be a filling snack for those looking to gain weight.EggsEggs are not only high in protein, but they contain vitamin D, E, and essential fatty acids. On top of that, eggs are also easily prepared. Whether it is boiled, fried, scrambled, or added to other dishes, they are a highly nutritious addition to your diet. Ranking high on the satiety index which gauges how fulfilling a food product is, they have also been known to be good for managing both eye and heart health.Beans, Lentils, and Other LegumesThese are available, dry, canned, and frozen without much difference in nutritional value. They will, however, vary nutritionally depending on the type of beans and the part of the bean eaten. There have been many well-researched health benefits of having grains in your regular diets such as glucose metabolism and diabetes management, reduced chances of cancer, improving gut health, reducing chances of cancer, and even reducing fatty liver!CoconutWhether it is consuming the coconut fruit fresh, in a smoothie, or even to your soups, dips, and baking recipes, coconut is a delicious and nutritious add-on to all your meals. Coconut contains powerful antioxidants, benefits your heart health, boosts better blood sugar control, as well as many beneficial minerals and vitamins. Coconuts best benefit lies in its versatility, being able to be eaten in many forms, raw and processed, in both savory and sweet foods. On top of this, coconut can be processed into oil that is both heat-stable and delicious in many forms of food.There are many signs of malnutrition in the elderly such as altered mood and low energy, frequent bruising, dry skin, and even adverse effects on their sleep pattern. If you or your loved one requires assistance with preparing nutritious meals and other day-to-day living, it may be time to consider senior living options. Our professional chefs in Sensations Dining are here to prepare nutritious, delicious, and varied meals that meet all your dietary needs and preferences. For more information about how our team here atDiscovery Commons At Bradenton, contact us today!

Id like to share (what I can) with you about a joy-filled interaction I witnessed recently while visiting one of our communities. You see, it was nearing the end of the lunchtime rush, and as many were making their way out of the dining room, a husband-and-wife couple (both in their late 80s) stopped to greet a friend, myself and a couple of our team members who they know very well. As we often do, we laughed and made jokes together. Chatted about goings on in the community and asked how theyre doing. It was a conversation among friendsyou could tell by the authenticity and comfort level. The smiles, laughter and hugs were genuine, not awkward or manufactured. There was real love there, and I distinctly remember the sense of pride it gave me to see the way our community and team members were making that sort of difference in these residents lives.    I was reminded in that moment that its that feeling of ease and happiness; that enriched and unburdened way of life. Thats the It Factor, and what senior living is really all about. Now, I share this for one reason only: To remind folks that especially in the case of senior living communities, outside expectations and reality are often very different. So for anyone whos hesitant about assisted living due to pre-existing fears that they wont like it, stop and consider somethingWhat if you do? What if the maintenance-free lifestyle helps open up new possibilities for fun and leisure? What if you start building friendly bonds with neighbors and the many, dedicated team members who youll see here almost every day? What if assisted living even gives rise to a happier, healthier chapter of life, and making the move turns out to be one of the best decisions youve made? Thats just a little something that Ive wanted to share, so please, give it all some thought. While were at it, here are a few, additional suggestions for those considering residential solutions like assisted living: Leave Preconceptions at the Door Theres a saying, Dont Let Your Fears Decide Your Fate, and I think that rings especially true here. If, because of your own fears and preconceived notions, you dont go experience todays senior living community setting for yourself, you may not even know what youre missing! Be PositiveIf youre considering senior living today, or will be at some point in the future, focus on what could go right and how good it can be (not the other way around). Whether you come into this experience feeling positive or negative, youre likely to be right either way.  Get Involved in as Much (or as Little) as Desired Senior living communities are designed and operated to provide the tools to live a more active, satisfying lifestyle, but seizing that lifestyle is up to each individual. Be prepared to do your part by being open to socializing and getting involved in whatever interests you. 

Do you remember what you were doing when Hurricane Ian made landfall? Every time an event, tragedy, or moment in time is that big, it becomes a reference point, a place in the collective human experience that we all remember as something that happened to everyone, all at once. These moments are usually both humbling and unifying. Hurricane Ian was a large and devastating category-four hurricane that moved through the Caribbean and the southeastern portion of the United States, damaging parts of Cuba, Florida, and South Carolina. Of the 2022 season, it was the ninth named storm, the fourth hurricane and the second major hurricane.At our communities, the hurricane, caused some minor flooding, cut the power, the internet, and the phone, at times for as long as a few days. The damage sustained was for the most part minimal and for that reason, we count ourselves among the lucky. We have all seen the photos and the videos across the news and on the internet, the storm did not visit everyone as minimally as it visited our communities. We are keeping those most affected by the storm in our hearts and in our prayers. But where there is tragedy, there are the people who must face the tragedy. After all the storms did, we must take account for what we as a community did to keep our residents safe and sound.Lets start with the family and friends of our residents. You trusted us with the care and safety of your loved ones, and for that trust we are grateful. It takes a lot to have faith in these kinds of conditions. You all were steadied and poised, and the strength and patience you displayed, gave us extra hands in our efforts to keep everyone safe. Thank you.To our seniors the resilience, bravery, and community that you displayed, cannot go unmentioned. While we were doing our best to keep you safe, you did your best to keep us inspired. We all saw the storm coming and while being charged with your care, we couldnt help but worry, but in watching the way our residents lifted each other and lifted their spirits and made the best of what they had, our faith was rejuvenated. Many seniors hosted parties, movie nights, and bingo games, together you all showed us that even in a storm we remain a community, and that we are strongest when we stay together. We know the clich of making lemonade out of lemons, but life gave you a storm and out of it you all made joy, memories, and beautiful moments. Thank you.To our careful team members, this week you proved that in your case, a job description is the foundation of the commitment you made to this work, not the ceiling. Together we watched our team members reach above and beyond, then move far past it to meet the needs of our residents and make good on the faith that their families have in us to keep them safe. Our team members gave more than we ever thought possible, working around the clock to ensure the safety and the well-being of our residents. Thank you.Nature is wild and unpredictable, and in some cases devastating, we have always known that, but this experience has taught us that the strength and resilience of people is just as unpredictable and even more powerful. Collectively we became a great force that met the devastation with care, courage, and unimaginable strength.

Think about it this way: You work with a qualified physician when it comes to matters of health. You partner with trained financial experts (advisor, CPA, etc.) for matters of money. And unless youre a mechanical whiz, you count on someone trustworthy and professional to work on your home and motor vehicles. So why go it alone when it comes to senior living and/or memory care? Now more than ever, you just dont have to. So if you have questions about how best to ensure lasting care for a loved one(s) experiencing cognitive decline, the help you need may be closer than you think. Start here, for example, as we provide straight answers to three of the most important memory-care-related questions for aging seniors and their families.  Are There Any Early Warning Signs of Dementia and/or Cognitive Decline? Yes. Cognitive changes, although often overlooked or simply mistaken as being part of the normal aging process, can be evident in the earlier stages. The following red flags may signal that its time to engage your professional resources and prepare for future possibilities:  Conversational challenges: Struggling to recall words and names and sustain short-or medium-length conversations; omissions that go beyond the realm of simple forgetfulnessRoutine challenges: Giving up on long-time hobbies and pastimes; drifting apart from friends or forgetting their names Unintended weight loss: Can indicate a number of potential issues, from physical and/or cognitive decline to depressionPersonal appearance and care: Is the laundry done, and is their clothing clean and well-kept? Do they change clothes as regularly as before, and assemble outfits that are neat and presentable?  Subpar home living conditions: An unkempt or unsafe home can signal that the individual is no longer physically and/or cognitively able to properly care for it, and would likely benefit from full-time support What Should Families Look for When Evaluating Memory Care Providers? Naturally, theres a lot to consider when choosing the right memory care provider for your loved one. Factors like location quality, ease of visitation, comfort and cleanliness, safety and many others will come into play. However, prioritizing the features and characteristics that are most important can do much to standardize and simplify the process, avoiding confusion and making it that much easier to choose.On any community visit or tour, look for (and ask about) things like:  Care philosophy: What evidence and science-based principles create the foundation for the communitys approach to resident care? Every community should be able to readily describe its philosophy in detail, and each can be different in this respect  Specialized program offerings: What care and/or lifestyle services are available that are unique to that, particular community? Any special accreditations or certifications? Communication structure: How do care professionals from the community ensure regular, seamless and effective communication with residents, families, medical professionals and others? What Are the Usual Mistakes and Common Pitfalls to Avoid?  We see it all too often that while struggling under the weight of this emotional decision, too many families hesitate, or even worse, they never do decide on a proper memory care solution for their loved ones. That makes delays and indecisiveness the most pervasive problem to avoidbut its not always selecting a community thats the hard part. For many, the indecisiveness stems from sentimental attachment and the desire to ensure a loved ones care by administering it themselves.    In fact, the lingering stigma of asking for help is one that families typically arent ready for, and its why so many struggle to overcome it. In emotional times, its often difficult to recognize when the best thing you can do for your loved one is to ask for help yourself. Indeed, a unified family is a great start, but when you join forces with a quality memory care provider whose mission is the same as yoursto ensure lasting happiness and lifestyle quality for your loved one(s)you get a recipe for exceptional care.    So dont go it alone. Be knowledgeable and prepared, and act early on to ensure the best possible lifestyle quality for your loved one by partnering with a first-quality memory care provider. 

What sets Cypress Point apart from the other assisted living, memory support and short-term respite care communities in Fort Myers? Thats easy.Residents enjoy the convenience of all-day dining, a holistic wellness program, and customized, on-site health services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, the financial flexibility and peace of mind that comes from all-inclusive rates, no entry fees and a month-to-month rental structure.Owned by Omega Communities and located adjacent to the CenturyLink Sports Complex, Cypress Point is setting the stage for a new approach to senior living in the Fort Myers area. The community features 134 brand-new, beautifully appointed residences: 96 assisted living and 38 memory support apartments. Residents have access to a wide range of services, amenities and programs designed with a focus on whole-person wellness. And with the all-day dining service featuring restaurant-style meals prepared by an on-site culinary team, assisted living residents can dine at their leisure.Assisted living at Cypress Point blends independence and personalized support so residents can maintain their way of life while receiving a helping hand. Whether its assistance with daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing and medication management, professional care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each assisted living neighborhood features its own central living room offering plenty of room to enjoy the company of neighbors and staff. And with Cypress Points own holistic wellness program, Masterful Moments, residents can shape the community's lifestyle and personality through their individual interests, experiences and preferences.For those dealing with memory challenges, the staff provide unsurpassed care and a stimulating environment to help residents flourish. This dedication to care is based on the nationally recognized Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's to ensure residents feel secure and valued. Staff learn each residents life story, talents, interests and preferences, to create an individualized care plan using reminiscence tools to capture and preserve special memories. This creates a more person-centered approach to care with activities and programs that are fulfilling, and provide a true sense of purpose and belonging.

Whether we realize it or not, being connected with our community has been a staple of our lives since we were children.  We formed friendships on the bus we took to school every day, attended neighborhood barbeques with the family that sat behind us at church every week or engaged in some light rivalry with the couple down the street who seemed to never lose a game of cards no matter how many times we played against them. Often times, without even realizing it, we are forming bonds with people with whom we have even the slightest bit of interaction with. Think about it when you go to the grocery store, you recognize some people, like the woman who always seems to have the number just before you in the deli line. When you call for takeout, they might know your order by heart simply because of your name or phone number. When your car needs servicing, youll likely take it to the same mechanic or workshop you visited the last time you needed work done.Even these small, ordinary interactions are what make us feel like we belong. This very feeling of connectedness is precisely what provides us with a sense of security and the opportunity to form new relationships that are vital to our happiness throughout our entire lives. But, as we age, these little familiarities can disappear. Unfortunately, as we age, the decline in our ability to be physically independent results in a feeling of increased isolation. If we are no longer driving, we dont see that mechanic or that pesky woman at the deli, who in some strange way provided comfort. Now that we are retired, we dont see our co-workers or meet new people who we can form friendships or even acquaintances with. This new dynamic of social isolation has negative side effects both emotionally and physically, but there are solutions.Senior living communities provide more than just the basic necessities of life. Beyond the obvious benefits of onsite care-givers and daily activities that a community provides, it also places seniors in an environment with others who are like-minded. Peers who have similar interests and life experiences, and the prospects of new, fulfilling social interactions.It is not just an apartment or home that one occupies. It is the nod from a neighbor in the hallway. It is the feeling you get when someone calls you by your name or the comfort you feel when the chef knows you dont like onions, so you never have to worry about them showing up on your plate.It is a sense of belonging and that is irreplaceable.