The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while creating lasting memories, for children and aging parents alike. There are always the usual stresses that arise this time of year, like making sure gifts are bought, meals are sorted, and activities are planned to keep everyone happy. However, […]
According to the Alzheimer’s Association more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease. The epidemic affects 1 in 9 Americans over the age of 65. These staggering numbers will continue to grow as our population is living longer. It is important that we educate ourselves on the disease and find ways to combat the epidemic while we wait for science to develop a cure.
At Paradise Living Center memory care sessions are offered to all our residents and we work with an expert team from BrainCare to provide tailored one-on-one sessions to meet the individual needs of our residents.
Memory care is a therapy that is designed to help delay cognitive decline. Memory care is activity based and the exercises provide mental stimulation that concentrate on six mind functions:
- Memory
- Quantitative thinking
- Abstract thinking
- Emotive Expression
- Visual, spatial and tactical abilities
- Speed of processing
The activities that memory care offers provide routine and can make the best of the person’s ability. Studies suggest that the brain needs repetition and challenges help it to work better. Memory care activities are designed to reduce behaviors such as agitation and wandering. The activities create a sense of togetherness between the individual and the caregiver which in turn builds that sense of security.
At Paradise Living Center we ask our residents to join in fun activities such as “Brainiversity” every Thursday. These activities bring residents together socially while providing stimulation.
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease it is important to have a schedule so you can plan to fit memory care activities into their day. Online sources are a good place to start when looking for activity ideas.
Seniors Guide recommends 10 quick tips when engaging in activities at home with your loved one:
1. Be flexible and patient
2. Encourage involvement in daily life
3. Avoid correcting the person
4. Help the person remain as independent as possible
5. Offer opportunities for choice
6. Simplify instructions
7. Establish a familiar routine
8. Respond to the person’s feelings
9. Simplify, structure and supervise
10. Provide encouragement and praise
Practicing memory care therapy is crucial in helping those suffering from a memory loss disease. The activities provide structure to their daily lives and routine can help behaviors of dementia from becoming an issue to worry about. Consult your doctor for more information and services on providing memory care for your loved ones that are living outside of an assisted living facility. If you are interested in helping to accelerate Alzheimer’s prevention research visit Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry and find out how you can make a difference.
