Memory Care Activities That Center Calm, Familiarity, and Choice
Reducing anxiety through memory care activities is one of the most helpful things seniors in Atlanta, GA, can do to improve resilience and reduce dementia symptoms, according to the University of California. Memory care communities provide structured programming that includes walking clubs in Atlanta's senior neighborhoods, sensory candy making and aromatherapy, music therapy, seasonal crafts, and movies.
Memory programming in GA focuses on purpose-driven engagement for dementia, Alzheimer's activities, and cognitive enrichment for senior memory loss. Having a sense of purpose improves focus, resulting in more goal-oriented residents. Seniors in memory care communities also share a special journey, which enriches social wellness to improve cognitive health.
Here's a closer look at memory care activities at Heartis Buckhead.
What Are the Benefits of Aromatherapy for Seniors?
One of the memory care activities offered by Heartis Buckhead is aromatherapy. This sensory activity promotes relaxation in seniors to lower stress cortisol levels, resulting in lower anxiety. Stress reduction allows seniors to focus on brain-boosting activities to improve memory health.
Certain aromatherapy scents, like lavender and rose, can trigger memories, improving memory recall in residents. A study highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic also found that lemon essential oil can have cognitive benefits for seniors with Alzheimer's.
The safest way for seniors to enjoy aromatherapy is to use an aromatherapy diffuser. The first type is a natural rattan diffuser where seniors pour essential oils into a small glass bottle. Rattan sticks are then placed in the bottle, soaking up the essential oils to release a calming fragrance.
There are also battery-operated diffusers and diffusers with AC adapters. These diffusers come in various sizes and shapes. Seniors simply pour their essential oils into the diffuser and power it on.
Aromatherapy activities are led by trained memory care staff, ensuring utmost safety. Seniors also learn how to create relaxing essential oil combinations.
Do Cooking Activities Improve Memory in Seniors?
Similar to memory care aromatherapy, culinary activities like sensory candy making stimulate seniors' senses, sparking:
- Memory recall
- Focus
- A sense of achievement (in the finished product)
Food is strongly tied to childhood and adulthood memories. A favorite childhood candy can trigger a memory about a place or time when that candy was enjoyed or first discovered. Likewise, dining programs in memory care communities are focused on homestyle favorites that can help residents recall memories.
Participating in cooking activities, whether it's candy-making or cookie decorating, improves seniors' hand-eye coordination and cognitive health. Staying active and engaged is integral to memory care progress; that's why the program at Heartis Buckhead maintains engaging schedules for residents.
Food helps seniors in memory care reconnect with their identity.
Group dining also fosters social wellness, inspiring residents to share stories about their parents' signature dishes or fond holiday memories. An article in The Conversation highlights the importance of seniors with dementia passing down recipes to grandchildren, which preserves identity and culture.
How Does Walking Improve Memory Health in Seniors?
An important part of memory care programming at Heartis Buckhead is walking clubs.
Daily walking increases blood flow to seniors' brains. Improved blood flow provides oxygen and essential nutrients. It also promotes new brain cell production through the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) proteins, strengthening neuron connections to promote better memory.
Walking helps expand the hippocampus brain region, a crucial component for forming new memories. Prolonged inactivity can actually shrink this region; that's why walking is so fundamental to memory care.
Walking clubs also turn this vital memory care activity into a social experience that enhances emotional wellness. These experiences, coupled with brain-boosting exercise, help memory care residents form new memories with new friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Music Benefit Memory Care Activities?
Similar to aromatherapy and cooking, music is a sensory activity that can trigger memories of the following:
- Favorite songs from childhood
- Favorite songs of their parents and grandparents
- Playing a particular song on the radio or piano
- The names of particular musicians (and song titles)
- A song playing at a certain event (like a concert or wedding)
Music in memory care can inspire more conversation and cognitive stimulation. For example, seniors can identify the different instruments in a song or the lyrics. A classical instrumental can help spark conversations about emotions.
Music therapy is also a gateway toward more engagement, like watching a musical theater show or an opera. Memory care residents also interact with instruments, which can spark an inner motivation to create or reconnect with a past love for music.
Do Movie Nights Improve Memory?
One of the most exciting parts of memory care is the movie nights with fellow residents!It's an excellent way for the community to come together and delight in a favorite movie from the past. Seniors can enjoy snacks, like traditional movie popcorn with butter, which also triggers memory recall.
Post-movie discussion furthers memory recall as residents share memories about watching the movie in the past, as well as forming new memories through new insights about the actors and plot.
Seasonal movies, like Miracle on 34th Street, can help stimulate memories about movies and holidays. It's also an example of a comforting movie that sparks positive thoughts, which improves memory care progress by uplifting one's mood.
What Types of Seasonal Crafts Improve Senior Memory?
Crafts that inspire memories of the holidays are essential to memory care programs. Holidays hold special memories about:
- Family
- Food
- Favorite gifts
- Events and locations
- Movies
- Music
Along with showing holiday movie matinees, seniors can also engage in seasonal crafts like harvest-themed creations for November. Wreaths are another sensory activity that helps seniors connect with past December memories through the scents (and texture) of pine.
Other activities include DIY ornaments and gingerbread men.
Discover the Benefits of Memory Care
If you or an aging loved one is showing early signs of memory loss, know there's a supportive community that manages daily routines for memory care. Heartis Buckhead's memory care program is rich with engaging memory care activities to support the emotional and physical wellness needed to recall, preserve, and form memories.
The community's executive director brings over a decade of experience in serving seniors in various capacities, from resident care to operations. Residents enjoy a full suite of amenities, including cozy living apartments designed for seniors, chef-prepared meals, and community outings.
Book a tour to view this unique community!