Research published by the Mayo Clinic found that nearly 7 million seniors live with Alzheimer’s. Other cognitive impairments seniors face are occasional lapses in memory to diagnosed cases of dementia.
The above data speaks to the importance of offering memory care programs to seniors. These programs are especially effective in senior living communities, leveraging neighborhood design, tactile activities, and communication strategies to create and preserve memories.
Memory care in Slidell uses a spectrum of strategies in its program to produce measurable results. Learn more about the scope of specialized memory care for seniors.
Memory Care from Nationally Recognized Programs
Summerhouse Park Provence in Slidell offers the award-winning SHINE Memory Care program through its community. The Alzheimer’s Association officially recognizes this program with a National Certificate of Recognition. This association leads the way in advancing Alzheimer’s health care and research.
The science community reviews and backs all of Slidell’s Memory Care program methods. The SHINE team comprises senior living professionals who are regularly trained on the latest Alzheimer’s and Dementia care methods. These professionals are available seven days a week to assist residents in the program.
Residents in the program live in a specially designed community built to foster net positive outcomes for senior cognitive health. Professionals design weekly schedules to improve outcomes through nutrition, activities, mental health support, and community.
Creative Activities for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support
The memory care community in Slidell is known for providing a range of mentally stimulating activities to build and preserve memories.
One of the premier activities in the SHINE program is the resident memory book. Every member is given a “My Story” memory book. Seniors engage with their memory book every day, using it for journaling, memory collages, and scrapbooking.
The “My Story” memory book activity allows family members to assist in their loved one’s care by bringing family photos to share. These photos may be added to the memory book with accompanying information about the year, location, event, and family members pictured in the photos.
Other creative exercises for cognitive health include:
- Storytelling exercises
- Calm activities for anxiety (knitting, crochet, etc.)
- Gardening and nature walks
- Playing cards
- Puzzles
- Word games (scrabble, crossword puzzles, etc.)
- Listening to familiar music
Many of the activities above stimulate tactile memory, helping seniors recall memories through objects, textures, and shapes. Along with “My Memory” books, residents may create memory boxes filled with objects from the past.
Objects may include:
- Heirlooms (accessories, trinkets, etc.)
- Photographs
- Handwritten note cards
- Fragrances
- Favorite books
- Familiar fabrics
Engaging in daily activities stimulates cognitive function, which is necessary for memory care. Group activities are also essential for positive outcomes. That’s why Slidell fosters a strong Memory Care community comprised of residents sharing the same journey.
Socialization Strategies for Dementia Care in Slidell
Social isolation is not uncommon for seniors; however, it can increase senior depression and anxiety, which heightens the risk of memory issues. That’s why the SHINE memory care program champions healthy socialization through neighborhood design, activities, and dining.
Memory Care residents live in the same neighborhood, allowing them to bond over the shared journey of memory care. This bonding creates new memories, which improves the ability to recall past memories. Residents can enjoy activities together.
Group activities include:
- Games nights like Bingo and Cards
- Morning walking groups
- Light exercise and stretching
- Social hours over coffee
- Ice cream socials
- Dinner parties
- Outings in the community
- Movie nights watching familiar films
The community also posts a monthly social calendar packed with daily activities. These activities typically start with morning activities like light stretching and coffee and continue with game sessions, social hours, and nightly events. Visiting artists and health and wellness experts may also visit to deliver interesting talks.
Family members are also encouraged to visit residents to engage in more group activities, such as Grandparent’s Day activities, outdoor lunches, and storytelling hours. Families can also venture outside the community with senior loved ones to enjoy a day at the museum, park, library, or another location that stimulates memory.
Dining Options For Memory Care in Slidell
Dining, food, and senior nutrition play important roles in the SHINE memory care program. Receiving high-quality, balanced meals is vital for cognitive health and energy. This regimen also improves sleep habits so that residents wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Meal plans are designed with senior wellness in mind, preventing vitamin deficiencies common in seniors. Residents also enjoy healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Seniors in the memory care program enjoy their meals in a restaurant-style setting with fellow program residents. This setting fosters healthy socialization over meals, which encourages mentally stimulating memory-sharing activities like storytelling. Residents also create tactile and sensory-based memories over food.
Senior Living Accommodations
The senior living apartments at Summerhouse Park Provence are designed with senior safety and comfort in mind. This living design helps preserve a sense of independence necessary for building the confidence required to thrive in the SHINE memory care program. Personal care assistance is also available to residents.
Residents may also enjoy light cooking in the provided kitchenette. Family members are encouraged to visit seniors to cook family recipes that can stimulate memory recall about holidays and signature dishes.
Memory Care residents may enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snacks outside, as well. The community is designed with beautiful gardens, walkways, and rest areas. Enjoying the fresh air also has positive impacts on cognitive health.
Discover Senior Care Options in Slidell for Memory Health
It’s important to recognize the signs of memory loss early. Memory care in Slidell is here to help! Keep the above points in mind as you navigate the cognitive health landscape.
Summerhouse Park Provence is staffed by a team of trained and committed professionals in senior wellness and memory care. We provide all necessities, including gourmet-style dining, senior activities, and tranquil landscaping. Book a tour of our community to see our vibrant neighborhood in person.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have! Contact us today to learn more about senior living in Slidell!
