Cognitive Training Exercises And Benefits For Assisted Living Residents
by Garden of PalmsAssisted living (AL) care centers are intended to address the issues of the rapidly expanding senior population. They are increasingly considered by many as an option for optimal living as we age. Eleven million more seniors live in assisted living facilities today than just ten years ago, and that number is expected to double in the next decade. These statistics reflect the understanding that assisted living facilities strive to maintain freedom, self-rule, pride, and security for seniors while living in a less institutional environment than other living options.
HOW ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES HELP IN COGNITIVE TRAINING?
Assisted living centers serve seniors and retirees who may need limited help with instrumental exercises of everyday living. Services are provided by professional and caring staff, and may include; medicine organization, meal arrangement, laundry, among other larger tasks. Some residents may require more assistance with daily living activities, like washing, dressing, and using the bathroom. Residents in other nursing care centers have encountered decreases in intellectual, physical, and self-care capacities and are at an increased risk of contracting various illnesses and infections. Studies report that up to 66% of AL inhabitants have beginning phase Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairments. This is of interest when comparing nursing care centers which serve people with more extreme dementia. Assisted living occupants slow critical paces of gentle intellectual hindrance, which just negligibly weakens their day-by-day working. In this way, AL staff individuals are fundamentally required for oversight and backing of the more psychologically focused instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
It’s understandable that a vast majority of assisted living residents like to stay in AL homes they have become accustomed to. We all want to maintain our independence as long as we are able. A skilled nursing facility is not an easy option to accept. Yet gradual decreases in insight and self-care may require a transfer to a skilled nursing facility. Thus, residents in assisted living facilities may worry about significant decreases in regards to psychological capacity, cognitive thinking, and being able to stay independent. It’s a valid concern, and shows how important it is for caregivers to observe and address the individual needs of residents and their families. As well as being an individual preference of assisted living residents, the expense of assisted living is more affordable than that of a nursing home.
TRAINING EXERCISES FOR RESIDENTS:
It’s an unfortunate fact that as we age we are more likely to encounter cognitive decline than other illnesses or ailments associated with the aging process. Fortunately, there are captivating exercises that support mental wellness and maintain cognitive capacity. In turn, this works to effectively diminish intellectual decline and slow the progression of dementia. Indeed, preparing your mind is similar to preparing your body with normal exercise, and it can truly supplement your workout regimes with appropriate arranging. Here are some fun and useful games, and exercises, geared to stimulating the mind and cognitive abilities of the senior residents in assisted living facilities.
Arts and Crafts activities: Engaging the residents with Alzheimer’s/Dementia in arts and crafts activities helps them be creative. These creative activities help stimulate the brain, enhance cognitive abilities, stabilize emotions, boost the immune system, and provide residents an opportunity to socialize.
Word training exercise: Words training exercise can be performed by assigning a specific seat of words to the residents and letting them complete the sentence. This activity stimulates the mind and cognitive thinking.
Games and Puzzles: A caregiver can cut an enlarged photo of one of the residents' close relatives or siblings into small square pieces and encourage them to arrange in the original form. This activity helps them maintain their focus on the task at hand.
Card games: Card games such as Poker and Solitaire have been shown to improve the mental capacity of seniors with memory loss and dementia by stimulating the focus and concentration of residents.
Activities involving the use of hands: Activities such as knitting, sewing, and others that involve the use of hands are important in maintaining coordination with eye-hands and mind.
BENEFITS OF COGNITIVE TRAINING EXERCISES:
Cognitive activities stimulate the sensory system and thinking abilities of the residents. Agitation and aggression are among the most common symptoms affecting residents with dementia. Creative activities and music help boost their moods. Music has also been indicated to recapture the memories which help Alzheimer's remember their early life events. Similarly, creative arts and craft activities boost the neuronal connections of the brain. Although brain cells are degenerating in dementia, creativity helps strengthen the brain connections which has been shown to increase the memory and recall process in residents with dementia. Memory degradation is the most highlighted symptom of Alzheimer’s. Creative arts such as painting stimulate the brain and improve memory.
We at Garden of Palms assisted living facility pride ourselves on our abilities to tailor a care plan specific to the needs of each resident. There is no room for a cookie cutter approach when it comes to caring for you, or someone you love. Call us today at Garden of Palms assisted living facility in Los Angeles to discuss your needs, and arrange a personal visit to tour our lovely grounds. Our caring staff is here to address all of your questions and concerns. Be well, and we look forward to hearing from you.
REFERENCES:
[1] Memory Care Community in Los Angeles | Melrose Gardens. Assisted Living and Memory Care.
[2] Voted Best Value, Upscale Independent and Assisted Living Los Angeles (cityview. care)