How important is social activity for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia? According to experts, it can make a huge difference in their well-being and may even delay the progression of the disease.
In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association and the World Health Organization both recommend that people with dementia take part in social activities to stimulate the brain. This may help manage behavioral and psychological symptoms.
In their two memory care neighborhoods — Juniper, which is coed, and Sage, for women only — Ovation Sienna Hills focuses on keeping residents active and engaged with others.
“It’s pretty impressive to see how social activities can change someone’s mood. They can go, for example, from extremely agitated to calm and relaxed,” said Austin Ricks, Ovation’s executive director of assisted living and memory care.
Clubs, activities, entertainment and more
Staff-supervised memory care activities are designed to engage all five senses, while providing wonderful opportunities for socializing.
There are baking clubs, an activity that often triggers memories residents can share about baking for their children, family and friends. There’s a gardening club, with indoor and outdoor raised beds. There are group rides through the magnificent St. George countryside. And there are sports, specially adapted to the needs of people in memory care, like balloon volleyball, which residents really love playing.
“One of the most popular activities we have here is cardio drumming,” said Ricks. “Everyone gathers in a circle and they drum on huge exercise balls. With music in the background, they can get a great group rhythm going. You really have to see how much fun they have.”
Staying connected to friends and family
Seeing family members can also help residents thrive, and Ovation has a variety of ways to make these visits enjoyable.
Every month, there’s family night, with food, games and music. It’s a fun evening that allows family members to spend quality time with their loved ones and get to know the memory care team too.
A special TV, the IN2L, provides interactive sensory experiences so valuable to people with dementia — and it’s also a great tool for social interaction.
“We’ll have ‘Family Feud’ night, and we can program the IN2L with simple questions tailored to our residents’ needs and abilities,” Ricks said. “Or we can bring in a microphone and do karaoke, with the music and words up on the screen.”
There’s also a quiet room — a haven sealed off from noise with gentle background music. This safe space features comfortable furniture, plenty of throw blankets and pillows of different colors and textures. The atmosphere calms the agitation that’s common in people with dementia, so they can spend meaningful time with their loved ones.
“They can sit together in silence or have a conversation, and sometimes they’ll even just hold each other in the quiet,” he said.
Memory care neighborhoods designed for interaction
In addition to organized activities, both memory care neighborhoods have an indoor common area and a beautiful central courtyard. Under the supervision of the staff, residents are encouraged to stroll freely about and interact with each other.
The dining experience also encourages interaction, with long, family-style tables that make it easy to engage with others.
“A lot of the residents really benefit from just being with people, getting to know them and feeling a sense of belonging,” said Ricks.
To learn more, visit ovationsiennahills.com.