A new national campaign is aiming to change the conversation surrounding assisted living. Spearheaded by Argentum, the “I Love Assisted Living” initiative will shine a spotlight on the positive experiences and vital role our communities play in the lives of America’s seniors.
“Argentum is proud to launch our new ‘I Love Assisted Living’ campaign to highlight the invaluable contributions of assisted living communities in providing high-quality care, enriching experiences, and vibrant lifestyles for seniors across the nation,” said Maggie Elehwany, Argentum’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. “Through this campaign, we will amplify the voices of residents, families, caregivers, and industry partners who share our unwavering commitment to the well-being and happiness of seniors.”
The senior population in the United States is growing rapidly, and assisted living communities are stepping up to meet their diverse needs. Independent research has found that senior living residents live longer, receive more health care services and benefit from greater rehabilitative and preventive care than those who do not.
Assisted living also offers unparalleled value and affordability for seniors and their families, costing 15% less than part-time home health aides, 6.5% less than part-time homemaker aides who help with cooking, cleaning, etc., 38% less than a semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility, and 45% less than a private room in a skilled nursing facility.
Because assisted living improves the care and quality of life for America’s seniors, resident satisfaction remains extremely high. According to the 2023 J.D. Power Senior Living Satisfaction Survey, assisted living communities received a satisfaction score of 837 (on a 1,000-point scale), exceeding satisfaction levels in industries like travel and hospitality, which received a score of 596.
National surveys have found that a staggering 90% of assisted living residents report high satisfaction with their care and communities, and 96% feel their communities provide sufficient healthcare and access to healthcare professionals. Social connections are equally important, with 93% of residents reporting adequate social opportunities within their communities. Perhaps most importantly, 75% of residents say assisted living has demonstrably improved their quality of life.
As the preferred choice for more than 1 million older Americans, assisted living communities provide a supportive and engaging environment that promotes independence, dignity, and well-being. The “I Love Assisted Living” campaign was launched to tell the personal stories behind the data and showcase the unique narratives and transformative power of assisted living for both seniors and their loved ones.
Take the story of Vicky A., from Washington. “When my grandfather, who was in his 90s, fell and broke a hip, his recovery at home became too much for our working family to bear. My mother, two sisters, and I took turns before, during, and after our own work schedules to care for Grandpa in his home. We leaned on the local assisted living in our small-town of 1500 people. He got excellent care in that facility, and we could tell that the staff there cared a lot about his well-being. He died there, on hospice, with family and staff alike crying at his bedside. I really don’t know where my family would have turned for help if assisted living had not been available to us.”
Diane M. of Virginia said that “I choose to work in assisted living because our seniors deserve to thrive and not just survive. Assisted living provides seniors with a lifestyle that assists to maximize their highest functionality and quality of life. During COVID this became apparent as residents of assisted living communities declined physically and emotionally due to the lack of group activities and socialization. Assisted living allows adult children and spouses to continue their spousal or parental child relationship without carrying the heavy burden of being a caregiver full time. The average age of Assisted Living residents is 87. These are a person’s golden years and they should be spent having fun and being cared for in a dignified community setting such as assisted living.”
Lauren M. of North Carolina said “I am a nurse who left acute care because my access to patients was so limited in scope, and I felt like I had more to offer others. In assisted living, we build relationships with our residents and their families. We help add purpose and meaning to our residents’ lives and meet them where they are in their various disease processes. When one of our residents becomes terminally ill, we often adapt our environment to allow them to die in ‘their home.’ I have had families plead to bring a parent back from a hospitalization to our community on Hospice so they can be at ‘home’ when they pass. Assisted living is so much more than fancy buildings and beautifully curated meals, it is a non-institutional feeling place that we can assure people are well cared for in their later years. In assisted living, overwhelmingly you will find residents who feel as if they belong and staff who are on a mission to make a difference in the lives of others.”
“I Love Assisted Living” is more than just a tagline. It’s a call to action. By visiting the campaign website, individuals can learn more about the positive experiences happening in assisted living communities across the nation. We encourage people to get involved by sharing their own stories, participating in social media campaigns, or attending community events that highlight the value of assisted living.
At a time when there is so much attention being paid to the challenges of aging, “I Love Assisted Living” celebrates the dedicated professionals, innovative programs, and supportive communities that are transforming the way seniors experience their golden years. With its focus on resident well-being, social connection, and a purposeful lifestyle, “I Love Assisted Living” promises to rewrite the narrative around assisted living, ensuring it remains the most cost-effective preferred choice for America’s senior population.
