Activities That Matter: Cognitive Engagement in a Memory Care Home Setting
With age, our cognitive abilities decline, causing difficulties with memory, language, attention, and reasoning. Eventually, this decline can lead to memory-related issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia, which are two of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the US.
With over 7 million older adults living with Alzheimer’s or dementia in the US, memory care communities are compelled to help prevent or delay cognitive decline among residents. Therefore, encouraging them to participate in activities that promote cognitive engagement.
That said, if you notice early signs of memory-related issues in your loved ones, consider moving them to a memory care community where they can participate regularly in activities that stimulate their cognitive functions. In this post, we’ll discuss five types of activities in memory care communities that can provide your loved one with cognitive stimulation.
5 Types of Memory Care Activities that Enhance Cognitive Stimulation for Senior Residents
Cognitive Games
One of the primary reasons for a decline in cognitive functions is the lack of stimulation of the brain. When the brain stays idle, where it doesn’t have to think, learn, or recall information for a long period of time, it leads to neurodegenerative disease, which causes memory loss issues.
Memory care communities use cognitive games and quizzes as tools to mentally engage seniors, slowing down their cognitive decline. These activities stimulate the brain, improve cognitive health, and encourage social interaction among seniors.
Apart from memory games, crossword puzzles and riddles are also a fun way to help residents exercise cognitive function through critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It not only mentally challenges residents but also helps staff members gauge the cognitive performance of each senior and make any needed adjustments to their personalized dementia care.
Therapeutic Activities
Therapeutic activities like listening to quiet music in a serene, relaxing environment are great for seniors to help them reduce stress and agitation and make them feel better. It is also a great way to help residents recall their fond memories.
When crafting personalized care programs for residents, memory care staff take notice of the interests and preferences of each senior, including their favorite music. It helps them create a supportive environment where residents can engage their cognitive functions.
Apart from music therapy, memory care communities also provide structured cognitive stimulation therapy sessions where your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can participate and elevate their mental acuity. These activities include reminiscence sessions, group discussions, and problem-solving exercises that improve memory, attention span, and speaking skills.
Sensory Activities
As the cognitive decline progresses, your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia may experience sensory impairments, including difficulty sensing touch, smell, sight, and sound. Sensory impairments can significantly impact the daily living of your loved one, causing agitation, confusion, and a great deal of stress.
Engaging in sensory activities like gardening and meditation can help reduce stress, improve calmness and relaxation, and encourage cognitive functioning. Moreover, gardening is one of the activities that can be both therapeutic and physically engaging. Memory care communities organize plenty of such activities for residents, focusing on their mental stimulation, enrichment, and positive recognition while maintaining an environment of safety at all times.
Physical Activities
Most seniors stop exercising or participating in physical activities as their cognitive health declines, which further worsens their condition. In a study published by NIH, seniors who regularly exercise experience an improvement in cognitive performance.
That’s why, many memory care communities have dedicated exercise and fitness areas for residents to improve their physical as well as mental, and cognitive health. If your loved one is active, they can also go for a walk every day within the community. Walking regularly can improve cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.
Social Events and Activities
Older adults who develop neurodegenerative disease or memory loss issues usually have a history of social isolation and loneliness. According to NIH research, feeling lonely increases the risk of dementia by 31%.
Senior living communities, whether providing assisted living or memory care, host dozens of social events and activities for residents to participate in and interact with each other. Social interaction will help stimulate the cognitive functions of your senior loved one and improve their overall well-being.
Looking for a Safe and Home-Like Environment for Your Loved One? Visit Bristol Park at Cleburne
Your loved one’s cognitive performance can progressively decline if they don’t regularly stimulate their cognitive abilities. A memory care community provides personalized care programs covering all mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
At Bristol Park at Cleburne, we provide a safe, comfortable, and home-like environment for your senior loved one who needs assistance and personalized dementia care. Located on the corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Bristol Park enjoys a small-town setting with wonderful surroundings. Whatever comfort and convenience your loved one will need is available in the vicinity of our community.
Want to learn more about our offerings and how we can support your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s? Schedule a tour of Bristol Park at Cleburne today!
