By Alexandra Harper 
Memory care community residents need to feel a sense of purpose and a connection with others. Doing so will add joy to their lives. Many people assume community activities are meant to keep the residents busy, but they are actually created to stimulate the individual’s cognitive function while improving their mood. Scheduled activities help to reduce agitation and anxiety commonly seen in men and women with cognitive decline.
Exercise for the Body and Brain
Communities looking to provide daily support for memory care residents understand the importance of exercising both the body and the brain. Physical movement is essential to maintain the cognitive health of seniors as well as their physical health. Many seniors struggle with mobility issues, but light exercise can improve their coordination and circulation while reducing their risk of falls. Staff members at the community tailor these programs to meet the needs of the participants, taking into account their varying ability levels.
Music Therapy
Music therapy has been shown to benefit individuals with dementia. Songs may spark a memory in a person’s mind and stimulate their emotions. People can communicate through music when verbal communication is difficult for them. Familiar songs may help reduce a resident’s agitation and encourage them to interact with fellow residents.
Artistic Opportunities
Residents of a memory care community benefit from engaging in activities such as painting, drawing, pottery, and scrapbooking. These activities allow them to express themselves through crafts while engaging them cognitively. Seniors with advanced dementia can take part in these activities and stimulate their brain function while improving their fine motor skills. The finished works provide them with a sense of accomplishment.
Reminiscence Therapy
Memory care communities encourage residents to take part in reminiscence therapy. Reflecting on the past can spark memories and encourage residents to communicate. Furthermore, these memories provide them with emotional comfort. They can reconnect with their history and gain a stronger sense of identity.
Social Activities
Every person needs regular interaction. Social activities provide residents of memory care communities with opportunities to engage with their peers. The staff members design the activities to meet the needs of the residents. When planning these activities, the staff considers the activity levels of the residents and other factors. Game nights and book clubs are two examples of activities residents in a memory care community might participate in.
Sensory Stimulation
Seniors struggling with cognitive decline benefit from sensory stimulation. Tactile activities such as fidget blankets or gardening are beneficial to these individuals. Many memory care communities are also offering aromatherapy-based activities as part of the daily schedule.
Holidays
Memory care communities celebrate holidays to provide a sense of tradition and excitement for residents. These activities help the residents remain connected to the different seasons while offering them opportunities to reminisce about past events with loved ones. Residents may decorate together, play holiday-themed games, or engage in other activities.
Pet Therapy
Senior living communities frequently offer therapy dog and cat visits now. They understand that animals can comfort the residents and reduce their stress. Furthermore, many communities now have fish tanks or areas on the property where residents can watch for birds or simply sit and listen to them communicate amongst themselves.
Each memory care community offers different activities. The activities outlined above are only a few that may be provided. Most communities now allow residents to benefit from technology and virtual engagement, and many have life skill stations so residents can engage in activities they are familiar with. The stations provide the residents with a sense of purpose.
Memory care community residents need daily assistance. However, they should also live a life full of joy, surrounded by people with similar interests. When seniors with cognitive decline remain active and engaged, they have a higher quality of life. Every family should find a memory care community that prioritizes these things for their loved one.