Have visits from friends and family become less frequent with your loved one living with dementia? Although there can be several reasons, the difficulty of witnessing personality and memory changes, the uncertainty of how to interact, or the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing are common explanations.
However, another mistaken belief can occur—which is that visits or activities are no longer meaningful or beneficial.
It’s essential for those living with dementia to have access to those who love and care about them, as well as opportunities for activities and interactions with others. Two of the most impactful benefits a memory care community provides are the daily interaction with compassionate caregivers and other residents, as well as support for family and friends.
Risks of Isolation for Individuals with Dementia
When care is provided at home, it can become more of a challenge to arrange for social activities or other ways to interact. It’s important to understand the risks that social isolation can have on both physical and cognitive health:
- Cognitive Decline
- Depression and Anxiety
- Physical Health Decline
- Increased Behavioral Issues
- Poor Sleep Quality
Memory Care Communities: Benefits of Remaining Engaged
Consider the advantages that a community offers to help their residents remain connected:
- Mental Stimulation: Communities understand how to tailor activities to help with mental acuity and to slow dementia-related symptoms. Activities like puzzles, games and discussions can keep the brain active and engaged.
- Emotional Well-being: Social interactions in the community provide emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. Positive relationships can significantly improve mood and overall happiness.
- Improved Physical Health: Residents are encouraged to participate in physical activities such as simple exercises, walking or other movement classes.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Regular engagement in meaningful activities enhances the overall quality of life, providing a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
- Reduced Behavioral Issues: Engaged individuals may exhibit fewer challenging behaviors. Community-provided structured activities and social interactions can fulfill emotional needs.
- Nutritional Support: Nutritious meals are highly beneficial, and communities help residents remain independent while eating, such as serving finger foods. Sharing meals also provides opportunities for social interaction.
- Routine and Structure: A community provides consistent routines that can help reduce confusion and anxiety in individuals with dementia and make daily life more comfortable.
- Social Connection: Fostering friendships and connections can be meaningful and contribute to a higher quality of life. Communities make interactions easy for their residents by providing activities and social events.
- Access to Specialized Activities: Specialized programs and activities, such as music therapy, art therapy and reminiscence therapy, are available.
- Caregiver Support: One vital benefit of a memory care community is the support it provides for family and friends as they travel this journey with their loved one.
Memory Care Communities: How They Support Residents to Remain Connected
Take a look at the following ways a memory care community supports its residents to remain engaged:
- Encourages Participation in Activities: Communities discover what the person enjoys and can participate in, such as gardening, cooking or arts and crafts. These activities are tailored to abilities to ensure they are both enjoyable and achievable.
- Provides Regular Social Interaction: Communities plan special events to encourage social interaction and may also schedule activities that family and friends can join.
- Exercise and Fitness: Physical activities like walking, dancing or gentle exercises are often found at memory care communities — as fitness benefits both physical and mental health.
- Memory Games and Puzzles: Communities may encourage memory games, puzzles and brainteasers to keep the mind active and the residents engaged.
- Music Therapy: Music can evoke memories and emotions, providing comfort and joy. Communities often offer music therapy and encourage residents to sing along.
- Storytelling and Reminiscing: Communities encourage residents to share stories from their past. Reminiscence therapy can help stimulate memories and provide a sense of identity and continuity.
- Enhanced Sense of Purpose: Engaging in meaningful activities provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Memory care staff help residents find ways to participate.
- Pet Therapy: Interaction with animals can be very soothing and provide companionship. Many memory care communities arrange for visits from therapy animals or may have a suitable pet on the premises.
- Outdoor Activities: Spending time outdoors, whether gardening, taking a walk, or simply sitting in the sun and enjoying nature, helps residents feel part of life.
- Preserving Personal Identity: Memory care staff get to know the residents and their personal history so opportunities can be provided that spark a familiar memory or sense of joy.
Memory Support at Presbyterian Village North
At Presbyterian Village North, we support both the individual and the family as they navigate the dementia journey.
We focus on the quality of life for our residents with a staff specially trained in the best practices of dementia care. Residents make their homes in private apartments while benefiting from the daily interactions with others and participating in our exercise, music, art and cognitive therapies.
With outdoor seating and dining possibilities, our secure garden courtyard and protected walking paths encourage our residents to venture outside while remaining safe from wandering.
We also provide the following services:
- Licensed nursing staff on site 24/7
- Medication administration
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Chef-prepared cuisine
- Special activities and social programs
- Access to a full continuum of care
Presbyterian Village North is a compassionate resource for your loved one and your family. Please call (800) 400-4130 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personal visit to our community.