The Alzheimer’s Association categorizes dementia, not as a specific disease, but as a term that covers a range of symptoms that stem from a decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Currently, there are more than six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. By the year 2050, that number is expected to rise to nearly 13 million people. With the steep increase in dementia cases, there is also a rise in the number of families seeking memory care.
Memory care is an excellent option for supporting the unique needs of dementia patients. The path of the disease will differ from person to person, but the basic parameters of the disease are consistent; dementia cannot be cured. The aim of treatment and care at memory care communities is to delay the disease progression and to maintain independence, functioning and quality of life.
Understanding Dementia Care
As caregivers, family members and friends of someone with dementia, it is helpful to the relationship to have an understanding of the disease. Memory care communities, like Highland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Kansas City, Mo., design specialized care plans for each individual resident and maintain open lines of communication with family members at all times.
Here are some proven strategies for supporting a loved one with dementia to help enhance their quality of life and their overall health:
- Encourage physical activity. Staying physically active helps seniors maintain their strength and flexibility, which aides them in remaining independent.
- Promote good nutrition. Highland Rehabilitation employs talented chefs and dietitians to provide nutritious and delicious meal options, with the ability to cater to special diets and nutritional needs.
- Enrich life through hobbies, art and music. At Highland Rehabilitation, Courtyard Memory Care activities are designed to help residents maximize their capabilities, continue to enjoy lifelong hobbies and find new activities that challenge and excite them.
- Encourage social interaction. Research suggests older adults who frequently participate in intellectually and socially engaging activities, such as trivia, show higher cognitive function than those who do not.
Trivia for Seniors
Researchers across the world agree that brain games can help slow the progression of cognitive decline and are excellent exercise for dementia patients. When someone answers questions and learns new facts, they are working on improving their cognitive skills. At The Lodge at Manito, team members draw on the latest research on memory care therapies to incorporate each resident’s interests, along with targeted sensory stimulation to create daily opportunities for socialization and engagement.
With games like trivia, it is most helpful to ask questions that mark significant events during their lifetime, pop culture from their young adulthood and standout moments from hobbies, sports or music they enjoyed. Here are some examples:
- What year did Disneyland open?
- Which disease did Dr. Jonas Salk successfully create a vaccine for in 1952?
- What famous explorer first climbed Mount Everest in 1953?
- What famous band arrived from England to the U.S. in February 1964?
- What war ended in April 1975 with the fall of Saigon?
- Which iconic blonde actress, and rumored lover of President John F. Kennedy, was found dead in her bedroom August 5, 1962?
- Which president resigned in 1974 over the Watergate scandal?
- Paul Allen and Bill Gates founded what company in 1975?
- Who played the role of Norman Bates in the 1960 horror movie Psycho?
Finding Safety and Security
All of the Tutera Senior Living and Health Care memory care communities, including The Lodge at Manito and Highland Rehabilitation, are committed to creating an environment of support and respect that centers around the wants and needs of each resident. The grounds, the meals, the activities, the fitness services and the rooms are designed and maintained to encourage engagement, while also promoting independence and safety.
Interested in finding a Tutera Senior Living community near you? Check our community finder! Have questions you need answered? Call us today at 877-988-8372!
