Living the Life at an ALF

A recent article, We Spent a Weekend at an Assisted Living Facility, is a close look at "[a]n intimate peek at aging from the residents of Stonewall Gardens."  This ALF is described by the authors as "not your typical senior community. It’s the only operating LGBT-friendly assisted living facility in Southern California (and, as of [the authors'] visit, the US)." The article is written in a conversational and entertaining style and tells stories from  a number of residents. 

The article mentions challenges when a person needs an ALF:

Falls, injuries, memory loss, isolation, and illness are often key determining factors for individuals and families when it comes to considering and discussing long-term planning. For many, the topic is overwhelming with much to consider: logistics, expenses, and emotions, not to mention the different personalities and opinions of those involved. But being at Stonewall has opened our eyes to the fact that there are tools and resources that can help with the transition. And plenty of options. Stonewall, like most assisted living facilities, offers private apartments, on-site caregiving, meals, housekeeping, and help with medicine and other aspects of everyday life, including the opportunity to feel like a part of a community.

If you want your students to get a look at an ALF with lots of activities (and you don't have time for a field trip) have your students read this article.

Thanks to Julie Kitzmiller for sending the article.