Statistics show that about 40% of Americans ages 65 and older have age-associated memory impairment.[1] Taking part in mentally stimulating exercises can help seniors keep their minds sharper and prevent this cognitive decline. At-home exercises can be a great help, especially when patients are not residing at a memory care facility. We’re going to take a closer look at how patients can benefit from the memory care and memory care respite options that Encore Communities offers and memory-boosting activities that seniors can do while at home.
How Patients Benefit from a Memory Care Facility
Secure Environment
At a memory care facility, residents are in a safe, monitored environment. This can not only keep them out of danger but also prevent them from wandering off, which often happens with patients who have memory problems. These facilities have the proper safety measures to give family members peace of mind.
Nutritious Meals
Seniors at a memory care facility can also enjoy nutritious meals prepared by the on-site chefs. They can get the fruits and vegetables they need to stay healthy and have the energy they need to complete daily tasks.
Social Activities
Remaining active and social is essential for those with memory issues. Research shows that being social and getting exercise can slow the progress of dementia.[2] Activities can also include those aimed at boosting memory and preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.
10 Memory-Boosting Activities for Seniors
While memory care facility residents can participate in activities that can help boost their memory, some things can be done at home. Here are ten activities to try:
1. Word Games
These games are a fun way to help seniors keep their minds sharp. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku games are all excellent options for keeping seniors active. If vision problems are an issue, use books with large print to make it easier.
2. Strategy Games
Games such as checkers and chess can stimulate multiple parts of the brain and may even help to reduce memory problems. Research shows that chess is one of several activities that can help lower the risk of dementia.[3] It can even help to improve concentration, problem-solving, reading, and decision-making skills.
3. Reading
Reading books and magazines can also help to keep the brain active. Any type of reading helps to spark the imagination and keeps seniors entertained. Recommend a good book for your loved one to enjoy. You can take this activity one step further by reading the same book as your loved one and having a mini book club to discuss and help them retain more of what they read.
4. Arts and Crafts
Creativity also helps to stimulate the mind. Painting, drawing, poetry, and knitting are all good ways to keep the mind active.
5. Exercise
Research has shown that regular exercise can help to prevent cognitive decline.[4] Activities like walking, stretching, swimming, and dancing can all be beneficial.
6. Learn Something New
Learning a new skill can help to slow cognitive decline by strengthening the connections between different parts of the brain.[5] Help your loved one look through books to find a new skill. You can also help them go online, where numerous tutorials can help them learn something new.
7. Vary the Routine
Any variations in travel or how things are done can help keep the brain active. Trying to avoid repetitiveness and changing routines can force the brain to look at things differently and complete tasks differently.
8. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help the brain and increase memory and emotional regulation. Deep breathing exercises and practicing meditation are boosts to cognitive function and can increase memory.[6]
9. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for cognitive function. Getting enough sleep can help to prevent cognitive decline as learning and memories are consolidated when we sleep.
10. Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
Outdoor activities are good for your health. Activities like hiking and gardening require mental focus that helps cognitive function. Look for activities that your loved one enjoys doing to get them to go outdoors.
These various activities can give your brain the necessary exercise to improve cognitive function. As we age, keeping our brains busy becomes more critical for our health and preventing memory problems.
Memory Care Facilities and Memory Care Respite Options Available at Encore Communities
Encore Communities offers memory care at our Laurel Cove, Regent Court, and The Ridge communities. We allow residents to have a daily routine while recognizing each resident’s individual needs. Additionally, we also provide activities that allow residents to thrive in the place they call home.
We provide memory care day stay services at The Ridge and memory care respite at Laurel Cove and Regent Court to give caregivers the rest they need and the opportunity to step out of the caregiver role. Respite care can last for a day or several weeks. Our memory care respite services include assistance with bathing, dressing, and more. Caregivers can feel confident that their loved one is in good hands while they get the break they deserve.
Contact Encore Communities today to learn more about our memory care services and to schedule a tour.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123445/
[2] https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/prevention
[3] https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/chess-and-crosswords-help-lower-dementia-risk-stud
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091743520303030?via%3Dihub
[5] https://www.medicare.org/articles/memory-exercises-for-seniors-that-work/
[6] Mindfulness meditation: A mental workout to benefit the brain – Science in the News (harvard.edu)
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
