During our "Quality of Life Check," we take a holistic approach to understand the challenges seniors face in any living situation.

We focus on two areas:

Happiness

1. Emotional Well-being: We actively listen to seniors’ concerns, hopes, and expectations to gauge their mental and emotional state. This includes exploring feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that may stem from factors such as health issues, loss of independence, or living circumstances. By addressing these concerns early, we help prevent emotional decline and work toward restoring a positive outlook on life.
2. Social Engagement: We assess seniors’ level of social interaction by looking at their relationships with family, friends, and caregivers. This includes determining how often they communicate with loved ones, participate in group activities, or have access to social support. We aim to identify signs of loneliness or isolation, which can lead to depression or cognitive decline. Our goal is to foster opportunities for social connection, encouraging community involvement and maintaining a strong support network that positively influences their overall well-being.

Without regular attention to their happiness, seniors may experience emotional decline, social isolation, and a decreased sense of purpose. Ensuring their happiness through the "Your Happiness" service plays a critical role in maintaining both their mental and emotional well-being, which directly affects their overall quality of life.

Seniors without these checks may face:

• Emotional Decline: Seniors often suffer from depression, anxiety, or loneliness due to major life changes like retirement, loss of loved ones, or declining health. Without proper support and regular assessment of their emotional state, these issues can worsen and severely impact their happiness.
• Increased Isolation: Social isolation is common among seniors, especially those living alone or in long-term care settings. Regular happiness checks identify gaps in their social engagement and help foster opportunities for meaningful interactions, which are key to maintaining a sense of belonging and joy.
• Loss of Purpose: Without engaging in hobbies, activities, or social relationships that bring them joy, seniors may lose their sense of purpose. The "Your Happiness" service identifies areas where seniors can reconnect with their passions and interests, preventing emotional stagnation and boosting their sense of fulfillment.

The problem by the numbers:

• Social Isolation: According to the National Institute on Aging, prolonged social isolation can be as damaging to seniors’ health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Regular happiness checks help prevent isolation by encouraging active social engagement.
• Mental Health: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that depression affects approximately 7 million adults aged 65 and older, but most seniors don’t receive the treatment they need. The "Your Happiness" service helps identify early signs of depression, offering timely intervention to improve their mental well-being.

Prioritizing seniors' happiness through regular assessments can dramatically improve their overall quality of life, helping them stay connected, emotionally healthy, and engaged in the joys of life.

• Initial Consultation: We start with a face-to-face, phone, or virtual consultation where the senior and/or their family members discuss what brings them joy and fulfillment with one of our Senior Advocates. This conversation helps us understand their needs, interests, and emotional well-being.
• Personalized Happiness Evaluation: Each "Your Happiness" check is tailored to the individual. Our Senior Advocates take the time to learn about the senior's preferences, hobbies, social connections, and any obstacles affecting their happiness. This ensures the evaluation is meaningful and focused on what truly matters to the senior.
• Comprehensive Happiness Assessment: Our Senior Advocates conduct an in-depth assessment that examines emotional well-being, social engagement, personal interests, and quality of social interactions. This can be done in-person or remotely, based on the senior's preference and comfort. A typical assessment lasts 1 to 2 hours and provides a clear picture of the senior's current level of happiness.
• Identifying Barriers to Happiness: During the assessment, if we identify challenges like social isolation, lack of meaningful engagement, or emotional distress, we work with the senior to address these issues. This may involve connecting them with social groups, activities, or professional emotional support to enhance their happiness.
• Discussion and Recommendations: After the assessment, our Senior Advocates share the findings with the senior and/or their family members. We offer personalized recommendations, whether it's enhancing social connections, pursuing new hobbies, or accessing emotional support resources.
• Follow-up Support: The "Your Happiness" service doesn't end with the initial assessment. We provide continuous follow-up, ensuring the senior’s happiness is supported over time. Our Senior Advocates remain available to make adjustments, offer guidance, and ensure ongoing emotional well-being.

By working closely with the senior and their loved ones, our "Your Happiness" service helps restore joy, fulfillment, and connection to everyday life.

Our "Your Happiness" service involves collaboration with various professionals and agencies to ensure seniors receive the emotional and social support they need to thrive.

• Senior Advocates: Trained professionals who focus on understanding each senior’s unique happiness needs. They provide direct support by encouraging social connections, facilitating activities, and addressing emotional concerns, ensuring seniors feel valued and fulfilled.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: While their primary role is investigating mistreatment, LTC Ombudsman also ensure that any issues impacting a senior’s happiness, such as unresolved disputes or emotional distress, are addressed promptly and fairly, allowing seniors to enjoy a worry-free life.
• Community Engagement Specialists: These individuals help us connect seniors to local groups, activities, and social events that foster meaningful relationships and create a sense of belonging. They work to enhance seniors' social engagement, reducing isolation and increasing joy through community involvement.
• Mental Health Professionals: We refer seniors to licensed psychologists, counselors, or social workers to provide emotional and mental health support to seniors facing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression. They offer guidance, therapy, and coping strategies to help seniors overcome emotional challenges and regain a positive outlook on life.
• Family and Caregivers: Loved ones play an integral role in supporting the senior’s happiness. We work closely with family members and caregivers to foster stronger emotional connections, encouraging involvement in activities that bring joy and strengthen bonds.
• Community Agencies: These organizations offer a range of resources, such as social services, wellness programs, and recreational activities. They help seniors stay active, engaged, and socially connected, contributing to their overall happiness and emotional well-being.

Together, this support team ensures that seniors' happiness is a top priority, providing a well-rounded network to uplift and nurture their emotional well-being.

To receive a free "Your Happiness" assessment for yourself or a loved one, click here to complete the request form for a personalized evaluation conducted by one of our caring Senior Advocates. Let us help bring joy and fulfillment back into everyday life!