All too often, people wrongly assume that moving to memory care is going to be stale and boring. Thankfully, this couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, as the best dementia care in Glendale, we are committed to providing enriching and enjoyable activities for our residents. Our memory care community is designed to offer a range of activities that cater to different interests and ability levels, ensuring that every resident experiences joy and engagement in their daily life.
Below, we want to take the time to cover why it’s important to stay active after transitioning into a memory care community as well as share ten of the best activities that we offer on our resident calendar. Continue reading to get all the details!
Why is Staying Active Important in Memory Care?
Staying active in memory care is crucial for numerous reasons. Engaging in various activities not only enhances physical health but also supports cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social interactions. For individuals with memory loss, structured activities can provide a sense of routine and normalcy, helping to reduce feelings of confusion or agitation. Active engagement in these activities promotes a higher quality of life and can slow the progression of memory loss symptoms.
10 Engaging Activities to Try
1. Stretch and Meditate
These sessions offer a serene start to the day. Gentle stretching improves flexibility and circulation, crucial for physical health, while meditation promotes mental clarity and reduces stress, aiding in cognitive health. This combination is especially beneficial for memory care residents as it encourages a peaceful mind and a strong body.
2. Scenic Drives
Scenic drives around Glendale provide a change of scenery and a sense of connection with the larger community. These outings can stimulate cognitive function through visual and sensory experiences and foster social interactions among residents, enhancing their social wellbeing.
3. Ball Drumming
This fun activity combines music with physical movement, improving coordination, rhythm, and motor skills. The rhythmic nature of drumming can also have a positive impact on cognitive function, enhancing memory and attention in residents.
4. Movie Nights
Our in-house movie nights are perfect for relaxation and socializing. Watching films together allows residents to share experiences and memories, fostering a sense of community and belonging, which is vital for emotional health.
5. Chair Yoga
Designed for all mobility levels, chair yoga helps maintain flexibility and balance, which are vital for physical health. The practice also aids in mental relaxation and stress reduction, contributing to overall mental wellness.
Here are a few tips for beginners:
Start with Breathing:
Focus on deep, even breaths to help center your mind and relax your body.
Gentle Stretches:
Begin with simple stretches to warm up the body. Move within your comfort zone and avoid any strain.
Use Props:
Utilize cushions or straps to make poses more comfortable and maintain balance.
Listen to Your Body:
Pay attention to how you feel in each pose. If something hurts, gently ease out of the position.
Consistency is Key:
Regular practice, even if brief, is more beneficial than occasional long sessions.
Enjoy the Process:
Remember that yoga is about personal growth and well-being, not perfection.
6. Bingo and Other Games
Bingo is a classic game that is not only entertaining but also beneficial for cognitive health. It requires concentration, pattern recognition, and memory recall, which are vital cognitive skills, especially for memory care residents. Additionally, we offer a variety of other brain games such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, memory matching games, and trivia quizzes. These games stimulate different cognitive functions like problem-solving, language skills, and short-term memory, providing a diverse mental workout that helps keep the brain active and engaged.
7. Coloring
Coloring is a peaceful, creative activity that offers therapeutic benefits. It allows residents to express themselves artistically, which can be calming and satisfying, especially for those with memory loss. Plus, if grandchildren come to visit, this can be a fun activity to enjoy together!
8. Social Clubs
Our social clubs provide a platform for residents to engage in shared interests and hobbies. This engagement is crucial for emotional well-being and helps in maintaining a sense of identity and community belonging.
9. Outdoor Walks
Outdoor walks offer numerous benefits for memory care residents. Physically, they provide gentle exercise, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall health. The sensory stimulation from nature – the sights, sounds, and smells – can trigger memories and provide cognitive stimulation, which is vital for residents with memory loss. Emotionally, being in nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting feelings of well-being. The exposure to natural light can also help regulate sleep patterns, which is often a challenge for those with dementia.
10. Dance Aerobics
Dance aerobics classes are not only a fun way to improve physical health but also serve as a powerful tool for mental stimulation. The use of music in these classes is particularly beneficial for memory care residents. Music has been shown to activate various parts of the brain, including those associated with memory, emotion, and rhythmic coordination. It can evoke emotions and memories, providing cognitive stimulation that is vital for individuals with memory loss.
Moreover, familiar tunes can be soothing and can help in recalling past memories, contributing to a sense of identity and continuity. The combination of music and physical movement in dance aerobics creates an engaging, multi-sensory experience that supports overall cognitive health and well-being.
Tour Our Dementia Care in Glendale
At Sage Glendale, we recognize that living with memory loss due to dementia can be challenging, which is why we focus on the individual. Our memory care apartments are designed to ensure safety and comfort, starting at $8995 for a private apartment.
We’re dedicated to providing dementia care in Glendale that goes beyond support, focusing on enriching the lives of our residents. We invite you to contact us to learn more about our community and schedule a tour. Experience the joy and engagement that every day brings at Sage Glendale Senior Living.
