This week is recognized as National Assisted Living Week.

The Gardens in Jefferson is celebrating the week with several activities. While most activities are for the residents, there is at least one event taking place each day that the public is invited to.

Life Enrichment Coordinator Holly Namanny says tonight at 6pm the Town and Country Band will perform in the courtyard for the public to enjoy. Tuesday is staff appreciation day with games at 2pm and All Ability Cycles will have demonstrations in The Gardens parking lot at 2:30pm. Wednesday afternoon at 1:30pm will be musical entertainment in the dining room with Dave and Ellie Winchester of Des Moines. Anyone interested in learning about social media and using the internet are invited to a free Internet Fun program at 2:30pm on Thursday. Friday rounds out the week with Gentiva Hospice serving snacks, drinks and games during a Happy Hour event at 2pm in the dining room.

Namanny explains the importance that assisted living facilities like The Gardens offers for the community.

“When people get to this stage in their life where maybe they just need a couple of extra things done for them. So it’s really kind of an in between your home and when you need 24-hour nursing care in a nursing home. It’s just kind of that in between where you can get some help but still remain independent as well.”

National Assisted Living Week runs from September 11th through the 16th.