As people age, their living environment plays a crucial role in maintaining quality of life, particularly for those without traditional family support. Welch Senior Living communities like Allerton House Weymouth offer a supportive environment tailored to the diverse needs of older adults, providing a sense of connection and care. Below are the benefits of living in Assisted Living, particularly for Solo Agers.

Who are Solo Agers?
A Solo Ager is aging without a traditional support network such as a spouse, children, or close relatives. Solo Agers face unique challenges such as navigating healthcare, managing financial security, and becoming socially isolated. According to a study completed by the Mather Institute, there are approximately 22.1 million Solo Agers in the United States. Among older adults, 28% live alone, are childless and lack immediate family support.

How Can Allerton House Weymouth and Welch Senior Living Communities Support Solo Agers?
Welch Senior Living communities like Allerton House Weymouth are uniquely positioned to support aging individuals, particularly Solo Agers because our focus is on creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

• Staying Connected
  • Many older adults face isolation, especially Solo Agers. Loneliness can harm physical and mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Assisted living communities help by providing:
    • Organized activities, events, and outings
    • Communal dining experiences
    • Opportunities to build meaningful friendships and peer support networks
    • Many residents have shared that after years of living alone and feeling isolated, moving to a Welch Senior Living community offered built-in social connections, companionship, and a sense of belonging—while still allowing them to maintain their independence
• Safety and Security
  • Solo Agers often worry about emergencies and safety at home. Welch Senior Living communities offer:
    • Secure facilities with staff available 24/7
    • Well-balanced, nutritious meals served in a communal dining setting
    • Dedicated Wellness Teams offering nursing support and consultation
    • Peace of mind for residents and loved ones
    • Our residents have reported that living alone became overwhelming, with growing concerns about emergencies. Now, they have access to support when needed while preserving their independence—combining the best of both worlds
• Personalized Care
  • Allerton House Weymouth provides customized care plans tailored to each resident’s unique needs, including:
    • Assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, medication management)
    • Mobility assistance, including guidance, physical support, and escorts to activities
    • Tailored wellness programs including onsite physical and occupational therapy through Synchrony Rehab
    • Residents appreciate the advantages of moving to assisted living while they can still make their own choices. They are grateful for the support with daily tasks while retaining their independence
• Health Monitoring
  • Managing healthcare can be stressful for Solo Agers. Assisted Living simplifies this by providing support and oversight by:
    • Having daily access to Wellness Teams
    • Having access to onsite medical professionals
    • Providing coordination with outside medical providers
      • Residents describe feeling safer thanks to constant support from WSL wellness teams and have noticed improvements in their overall well-being
• Convenience
  • Managing a household alone can become more challenging with age. Welch Senior Living communities provide:
    • Professionally prepared meals and a variety of dining options
    • Housekeeping and laundry services
    • Scheduled transportation for appointments and outings
    • Residents believe that having daily tasks like laundry, housekeeping, meals, and transportation managed allows them more freedom, energy, and time to focus on activities they enjoy
• Strong Community Connections
  • The greatest benefit of living in a Welch Senior Living community is the sense of belonging. Solo Agers thrive in supportive environments where they feel valued and included. WSL communities promote connection through:
    • Shared spaces for hobbies, relaxation, and activities
    • Opportunity to develop peer support systems
    • Inclusive life enrichment programming
    • Residents report having found that being a part of a caring community provides reassurance and a renewed enthusiasm for daily life

By supporting their physical, emotional, and social needs, Welch Senior Living communities enable Solo Agers to maintain independence while receiving the support needed to enhance their quality of life. Our communities foster a vibrant, connected, and safe environment.

For Solo Agers, joining one of our communities can be a life-changing decision. Assisted living empowers residents to enjoy dignity, independence, and enhanced well-being through engaging social opportunities, personalized care, and the peace of mind that comes with a supportive environment.

If you have any further questions about whether senior living may be an appropriate fit for you or your loved one, please reach out to me at [email protected] or 781-878-6700 x270. You can also visit www.welchseniorliving.com to learn more about our communities and discover what makes each one unique, from their tailored care programs to the vibrant, supportive environments they cultivate.

Article authored by:
Laurie Welch Guthrie, MSW, LCSW, CDP
Welch Senior Living
Regional Memory Care Coordinator
Senior Clinical Social Worker
781-878-6700 x270
[email protected]

Original Research Brief completed by: The Mather Institute. 2023. Flying Solo: Experiences of Older Adults Who Are Aging Alone. https://information.matherinstitute.com/flying-solo-2023.

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