“Thanks to the passion of our teams, TBH has not only educated residents about brain health but also sparked purpose and connection in their daily lives. Together, we are proving that brain health programming can truly be life changing.”

Jayne Sallerson, President and COO, Charter Senior Living

Brain health is a top three health concern of older adults. More than ever, community residents expect you to offer enriched cognitive fitness programs that gives them the chance to stay sharp and connected and reflects a commitment to help them age with vibrance.

It stands to reason therefore that offering meaningful brain wellness training should be a “no brainer” for senior living companies. However, the challenge of launching a new initiative across multiple locations, each with their own strengths and challenges, can be daunting. What does it take to add cognitive training to your wellness programs in a way that is inclusive of your team, engages residents, and meets your goals for success?

Charter Senior Living’s recent brain fitness initiative is a case book study for how companies can bring better cognitive health to their communities. Their recent launch across 65 communities met with outstanding results. Survey results from over 300 residents showed that:

• 94% were overall satisfied with the TBH programs
• 87% said they increased their knowledge about brain health
• 95% discovered new opportunities to socialize and engage with their peers
• 86% tried new brain-healthy activities as a result of the program
• 100% expressed interest in continuing with another TBH course

Charter’s grand slam rollout has set a new standard here at TBH, and one we are proud to share as a best practices case study as you add cognitive fitness to your offerings.

What is the secret sauce to Charter’s success? Here are some of the steps that really made their launch shine.

Take Training Seriously

Charter made a clear commitment to making sure their team was prepared to lead the TBH courses, with an upfront goal of 100% TBH trainer certification within the first month of launch. Strategic decisions setting aside time for staff training, regular TBH support calls, as well as personalized support for team members who needed additional help. These steps underscored leadership’s seriousness about trainer preparation and helped them meet their training goals with great success. Leadership then took the extra step of collaborating with TBH to create a training manual for their team, simplifying team members’ access to support and program resources post-training.

Integration is Essential

A well-planned integration of the new brain health program into STRIVE, Charter’s existing wellness initiative, eased program adoption across the communities. Amber Dahle, Charter’s VP of Memory Care and Resident Programming, worked closely with TBH to create a company-wide TBH class schedule that seamlessly wove the program into STRIVE’S trimester plan, giving trainers clear directions for class promotion, scheduling and engaging residents. This uniform TBH timeline made it easier for trainers to focus on teaching and celebrating residents’ success. In addition, leadership introduced Total Brain Health to other departments, with high touch introductions to national and community level leadership, including marketing. As Dahle shared, “(T)ying TBH into our SPARK program has also been a highlight, allowing us to involve prospects, partner with marketing, and shine a spotlight on brain health and healthy aging.”

Lead the Way

Perhaps most critical to the success of Charter’s brain fitness initiative launch was leadership’s visible investment in the success of the TBH programs across their communities. Corporate wellness leaders guided their direct service team with a winning combination of high expectations and generous support. This ensured team members understood both the high organizational value of the program and their access to resources they needed to meet those goals, including ready assistance from leadership, TBH, as well as experienced peers when needed. Leadership’s commitment showed in ways that were both overt, such as the dedication of time and resources to the new program, as well as more subtly, for example completing the trainer certificate training along with their team. As a result, team members were well prepared and enthusiastic as they engaged residents in the program, sharing feedback such as “(I)t has been a fantastic class – they can’t wait for the next one!”

Celebrate Success

Charter’s best practices model is completed by their emphasis on celebrating the success of the TBH programs to residents, trainers, families and the greater community. The highly social, interactive nature of the TBH programs provided wonderful opportunities to showcase these new, fun engagement workouts using social media, with many communities posting detailed descriptions and photographs visible to residents, families, the TBH audience, and other followers. Results of student surveys were shared with all team members and corporate leadership, resulting in even greater buy-in and enthusiasm for the new program. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, residents celebrated their own personal successes, sharing feedback such as “(T)his class has given me hope, the sense to move forward in my life.”

For more information on the Total Brain Health programs to support brain wellness with guided, group-based holistic training for older adults, contact us at info@totalbrainhealth.com. 

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 Engage everyone with these quick-thinking cognitive workouts!

December marks the senior living season of chock-filled calendars, bringing joy but perhaps a bit of frantic overload to all of us working to make the holidays happy and engaging for our residents. Some holiday traditions may not make our healthiest choice list (egg nog or holiday cookies, anyone?). However, there are many that offer us a great way to engage residents in workouts that support better cognitive performance, with intellectual stimulation, social connection, and opportunities to boost everyone’s spirits. 

Here are 3 innovative, brain boosting workouts you can easily fit into the calendar to help make this holiday season more memory-able for all – happy holidays from our TBH team to yours!

Compliments Claus

This no-prep, fast social workout is sure to boost everyone’s spirits, as well as their speedy thinking, nimbleness, and verbal skills.

• Have students break into pairs. 

• Have them take 1 minute each complimenting their partner on one thing, such as their smile, their holiday sweater, etc. 

• When time is up, have students switch to new partners and repeat the workout. 

• Continue until students have all partnered with each other or time is up. 

Winter Wonders

Nourish those neurons with this fun, creative group poetry workout – perfect to share with family and the greater community once you are done! Trains attention, speedy thinking, nimbleness, verbal skills, memory, and executive control.

• Write one of the Winter Wonders poetry prompts on a white board or flip chart.

• Have students take turns adding a line, word, or motion to the poem. 

• Keep going until your group agrees the poem is completed.

• Have fun reciting your Winter Wonders poem together!

• If time allows, use additional prompts to create more Winter Wonders poems.

Winter Wonders Poetry Prompts

The cardinal, so red against the falling snow …

A path appeared across the snowy field, leading …

The pine-scented boughs lined the …

The holiday lights glimmered across the …

Holiday Ho-Ho-Hos

Offer a bit of respite from the holiday high jinks with a break for some deep breathing and relaxation. Great for boosting perception, attention, coordination and emotional balance.

• Have students sit comfortably, with their feet on the floor and hands resting in their laps. Invite them to close their eyes.

• Invite students to take several deep breaths, slowing the rhythm of their breathing with each breath.

• After a few rounds, invite students to add to their breathing by gently verbalizing “ho-ho-ho” as they exhale. 

• Do this for a few minutes together.

• Option to continue with additional verbal prompts as they exhale, such as “he-he-he” and “ha-ha-ha.” You can alternate between the verbal prompts for each exhale round as well. 

• Continue for as long as time allows. If desired, check in on how folks feel before and after the deep breathing workout to encourage them to continue using it on their own as a way to de-stress during the holiday season.

For more information on the Total Brain Health programs to support brain wellness with guided, group-based holistic training for older adults, contact us at info@totalbrainhealth.com. 

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What Every Senior Living Professional Should Know

This past month, the highly esteemed Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care released updated guidelines, the group’s 3rd report since 2017. 

The news is hopeful. Through systematic reviews and meta-analyses from different studies, the commission identified 14 modifiable risk factors that could hold the key to preventing nearly half of dementia cases, up from 12 factors in their previous release. 

As senior care professionals, the Lancet Commission findings are an invaluable resource for sharing the clear value of our wellness programs to promote cognitive health and successful aging for our residents. Understanding and addressing the now 14 lifestyle factors identified by this new report is crucial as we plan our interventions and services to help residents and community members live healthier, and more fulfilling lives. 

A Lifelong Approach to Enrichment and Risk Reduction

One of the key takeaways from the 2024 report is that it’s never too late to take action. While addressing risk factors early in life is ideal, the report highlights that interventions at any age can still yield benefits. By providing programs and activities that focus on cognitive stimulation, social engagement, physical exercise, and other key areas, we can help reduce risk of dementia regardless of our residents’ stage of life. 

Practical Strategies to Incorporate into Life Enrichment Program

The 2024 update outlines specific actions to address the 14 dementia risk factors, many of which can be directly integrated into the activities we plan and lead in communities. They include: 

Cognitive Stimulation: Offer educational workshops, brain workouts, and mentally engaging activities to keep residents cognitively sharp.

• Hearing Health: Ensure that residents have access to hearing screenings and hearing aids.

• Social Engagement: Create opportunities for social interaction, whether through group activities, volunteer programs, or peer mentoring.

• Physical Activity: Promote regular exercise classes, walking clubs, or other physical activities.

• Mental Health Support: Offer access to mental health resources and activities that combat depression and provide opportunities for community support.

• Safety: Encourage safe practices such as using seat belts, wearing helmets, and reducing fall risks. 

• Nutrition and Wellness: Provide heart-healthy meal options and educate residents on the importance of managing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Smoking Cessation: Educate residents about the risks of smoking and provide support for those who want to quit.

• Vision Care: Arrange regular vision screenings and ensure that residents have access to corrective lenses or other vision aids.

• Environmental Awareness: Work with your facility to reduce exposure to air pollution and create age-friendly, supportive environments that promote healthy living.

• Alcohol Moderation: Promote awareness of the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and provide education on moderate drinking.

Supporting Residents Beyond Prevention

Even for residents who may already be experiencing cognitive decline, our role in providing supportive, enriching activities is vital. The Lancet Commission recommends interventions that help people live well with dementia, such as planning for the future, maintaining social connections, and providing appropriate care. By fostering an environment where all residents feel engaged and valued, we can improve their overall well-being. 

Bringing It All Together: A Proactive Approach

With this research we are better positioned to make a lasting impact on the cognitive health of our residents. The evidence-based programs and activities you provide are not just about keeping residents busy—they are about empowering them to live vitally, with better brain health and more years of active living. By being ambitious about dementia prevention and integrating these new insights into our everyday work, we help to create a brighter, healthier lifestyle for everyone in our care. The power of 14 is in our hands—let’s use it to make a lasting difference.

For more information on the Total Brain Health programs to support brain wellness with guided, group-based holistic training for older adults, contact us at info@totalbrainhealth.com. 

Reference article: The Lancet Commissions Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission 

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Can Social-Based Brain Training Help Residents with Brain Fog?

 We all know the struggle: a resident expresses frustration about forgetfulness and a lack of mental clarity. They describe it as “brain fog” – that pesky feeling of muddled thinking and difficulty focusing. As activity leaders, we can offer solutions! New research suggests that brain training programs that incorporate social interaction might be just the tool to sharpen residents’ cognitive edge.

Brain Fog: Beyond a Senior Moment

Brain fog isn’t a specific diagnosis, but a collection of symptoms like forgetfulness, confusion, and concentration issues. It can be caused by various factors like stress, sleep deprivation, or even dehydration. While these “senior moments” are common, they can be a source of frustration for residents.

The Power of Social Connections

Here’s the exciting part: studies show staying socially connected significantly improves cognitive function and even reduces the risk of dementia. Research has found that social interaction stimulates the brain in unique ways compared to solo activities. This social stimulation strengthens existing neural pathways and creates new ones, leading to sharper thinking and improved memory.

Social-Based Brain Training: More Than Puzzles

Many brain training programs exist, but some stand out for their social focus. Consider TBH (Total Brain Health) classes as an example. These classes move beyond brain teasers and memory games. They create a space for residents to learn and socialize together. This social interaction is key – it provides cognitive stimulation while combating loneliness, a major risk factor for cognitive decline.

The Benefits of Experiential Learning

TBH classes are also experiential, meaning residents actively engage in the learning process. This hands-on approach makes learning fun and engaging, and research shows it improves information retention.

Empowering Residents with Memory Strategies

TBH classes go beyond just brain stimulation. They also teach practical memory strategies to help residents manage everyday forgetfulness. From organization tips to mnemonic devices, these strategies empower residents to manage their brain health and reduce those frustrating “senior moments.”

Building a Strong Brain Training Program

When designing or selecting a brain training program for your community, consider these key points:

• Science-backed: Is the program based on research and proven to improve cognitive function?

• Social Interaction: Does it encourage interaction and connection with others?

• Educational Empowerment: Does it teach residents strategies to manage their brain health outside of class?

• Experiential Learning: Is it hands-on and engaging, or just passive learning?

By prioritizing these aspects, you can create a program that combats brain fog, fosters social connection, empowers residents, and makes learning a joy!

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Is COGNITIVE DECLINE AVOIDABLE? What Everyone Should Know About the Latest Brain Health Science

BY CYNTHIA R. GREEN, PH.D.

What if you could reduce the risk of cognitive decline for those you serve? Memory loss is a top concern of your residents and their families. And dementia care carries an associated burden increase for your communities. No doubt therefore you would be excited to take a very close look at what you could do to help clients preserve their thinking and avoid cognitive change.

Get ready to look at cognitive wellness training.

A Rush University study published last month underscores once again that lifestyle interventions are perhaps our most powerful tool in addressing cognitive decline. Using longitudinal data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, researchers studied the role healthy lifestyle played in modifying dementia. Their findings, based on 24+ years of data from 754 subjects with an average age at death of 90.9 years, confirmed the critical role behavioral choice makes in dementia risk.

A brain healthy lifestyle is linked to better cognitive performance at the end of life.

Using self-report data, the Rush team developed a lifestyle scale score based on 5 factors: Noncurrent smoking, 150+ minutes of physical activity/week, limited alcohol consumption, adherence to a brain healthy diet (MIND diet), and a high degree of cognitive activity. They then compared subjects based on their lifestyle score, cognitive test scores proximal to death, and neuropathology at autopsy. Study outcomes showed that a higher lifestyle score was significantly correlated with better global cognitive function in the subjects’ final years.

A brain healthy lifestyle preserves cognitive independence even when dementia pathology was present.

The Rush team additionally looked at the association between lifestyle score and the presence of neuropathology typically associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias at the time of death. They found that folks who led a brain healthy lifestyle maintained their cognitive independence into their final years, even if they had changes in their brain tissue typical of dementia. This provides strong evidence for cognitive reserve theory, which maintains that healthy engagement reduces the expression of cognitive loss during one’s lifetime, even when pathological changes are present in the brain.

A unique lesson for senior living leadership.

The Rush study confirms what we already know – leading a brain healthy lifestyle reduces cognitive decline. It also offers a finding uniquely valuable to senior living leadership, as it provides insight to the power of lifestyle interventions in promoting cognitive independence well into late life. Given the median age is 85 years in many residential settings, this evidence compels industry leadership to think carefully about the value of cognitive wellness training as much more than a program amenity. In fact, this evidence clearly demonstrates that giving residents the chance to increase their cognitive wellness engagement ups their chances of staying independent and healthy at every age, and can reduce increases in community burden associated with memory loss. 

Cognitive wellness training turns the science into action.

Brain healthy living is clearly the most impactful tool we have to reduce dementia risk, even well into our later years. And cognitive wellness training is the best way we can bring that science home. Busy packets and tech games are poor substitutes for teaching the real science behind how brain healthy living to make a difference in our lives. Senior living leaders can deliver meaningful change with brain health programs that provide actionable, sustainable ways residents can engage across physical, cognitive, and social and emotional wellness to boost thinking, reduce dementia risk, and maintain health and independence.

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TBH’s Dr. Green recently joined Abbie Ritchie of Senior Living Foresight’s Tech Tuesday to talk about how TBH is adapting our programs for tech delivery and many other brain buzzing topics.

Click to watch.

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Amp Up Attendance For Your Brain Health Classes | Do Chat GPT and I agree?

BY CYNTHIA R. GREEN, PH.D.

You know your active elders are keen to learn how they can keep their thinking sharp and brains healthy. Yet sometimes those brain health classes may not feel so popular, or you may worry that attendance may be waning. What can you do to amp up attendance and make sure your brain health programs thrive?

As an expert in the field, I certainly have lots of advice on this topic. But, I was curious – what would Chat GPT say you should do?

So, I asked CHAT GPT for some tips to boost attendance for a brain health program – and was pleasantly surprised to see that when it comes to the ways you can entice and engage folks in meaningful cognitive training, we share the same point-of-view.

Ready for the top 4 ways CHAT GPT and I say you can get your customers to turn out for brain health?

1. Know your customer. Find out what your residents or members really want to get out of a brain health program. Do they want to preserve quick and nimble thinking? Remember things better? Or are they primarily interested in how they can stave off cognitive decline? Then, make sure the program you offer is what they are interested in learning. A good content partner should offer you a selection of topics to choose from so you can best meet what your folks want to learn about. (Our TBH programs do).

CHAT GPT adds that you should then develop marketing materials that reflects their interest. Try flyers, posters, articles, and portal or social media posts. Just make sure that your marketing materials are responsive and show that you’ve listened to what they want and are making that happen. (These are including with our program packages).

2. Make the invitation personal. Who wants to feel like a number or cog in the wheel? Certainly not an AI program! CHAT GPT highlights the importance of personalizing invitations to your program. I couldn’t agree more. Take the time to personally invite folks to join your class. Be sure to point out the benefits of the program and how it can help them reach their own wellness goals. Next, invite them to talk up the program in their social circles and to bring friends to class. CHAT GPT suggests a referral incentive program, where folks are rewarded for bringing someone new to the classes (that could be fun!). And don’t forget the power of their own words – Invite folks to share stories about the program and why they love it at other classes or community events. Even a machine knows the power of the personal testimonial.

3. Make sure it’s worth their while. CHAT GPT’s 3^rd tip? Make sure the class content is engaging and interactive. Again, I could not agree more – in fact, that is the only way we

do things here at Total Brain Health! After all, if something isn’t engaging, meaningful, and fun, why would any of us want to attend? In addition to making sure the program is enjoyable, CHAT GPT suggests you focus on material that is practical and applicable to everyday life, with takeaways students can use to continue learning on their own. Happily, that advice is an easy fit for TBH, since all our training is designed to give folks practical, sustainable ways they can sharpen their thinking, rev up their recall, and reduce cognitive loss. And each of our classes comes with handouts and more so folks can continue learning on their own.

4. Make sure they feel welcomed. Folks will attend classes where they feel respected, included, and valued. Part of that equation is to ensure that students always find a welcoming class environment that adapts to their interests and needs, and that is empowering and connecting. As CHAT GPT concludes, “remember it is crucial to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment where older adults feel comfortable and supported. Building trust and rapport with potential attendees can further boost attendance as they recognize the value of the brain health class and the positive impact it can have on their lives.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

I know that these strategies are surefire, proven ways you can make sure your brain health classes are among the most popular listings on your community calendar. Isn’t it nice to see that CHAT GPT agrees?

President and founder of Total Brain Health, Cynthia R. Green, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, author and nationally recognized expert on memory fitness and brain health.

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THE “GREAT SUMMER BRAIN BUILD”

3 EASY STEPS FOR KEEPING YOUR COMMUNITY ENGAGED AND CHALLENGED THIS SUMMER

Summer is near, along with its eternal promise of fun days in the sun and some well-deserved down time. Isn’t it funny that, no matter how old we get, we shift into “summer mode” when the weather warms? You’d almost think we were getting out of school!

Chances are your community calendar slows down for the summer as well. Perhaps you have learned to schedule less as residents or members take advantage of the warmer weather to travel, or you are adjusting to accommodate staff vacations. Or maybe you have just gotten used to lightening the load as June approaches.

You know what doesn’t slow down for the summer? Our brains! We continue to need stimulation, challenge, and connection to keep our thinking sharp, stay social, and help our minds thrive – no matter the date on the calendar. And while no one wants summer assignments (always dreaded in my household!), simply downgrading the chances everyone has to engage can lead to brain drain.

Here’s an idea – host a “Great Summer Brain Build” instead!

This year, why not flip the script and challenge everyone to spend the summer having fun while building better cognitive fitness? A “Great Summer Brain Build” is the perfect way to keep everyone brain healthy while still taking a bit of a scheduling break. You can give folks the tools they need to stay sharp and vital, no matter where they go over the summer months. And you can support their ability to achieve their own personal brain training goals while building affiliation and happiness with all you have to offer – the very essence of person-centric wellness (and key to retention).

Ready to get started? Here are 3 simple steps to offering a “Great Summer Brain Build” in your community.

1.Think outside the boxes on your calendar. Find new, creative ways everyone can use that can be done independently, are portable and require less time. No need to overload the summer schedule! Try express “pop up” workouts that build specific thinking skills, like attention or speedy thinking. Or offer single session virtual classes to master memory for a specific concern, such as names. Ask folks to pick a brain-related wellness pursuit and commit to doing it for their “build” goals. You can even add a community-wide challenge with daily workouts folks do on their own for “points” they earn over the summer.

2. Keep everyone connected. Drive motivation and affiliation by keeping everyone connected to each other and your “home base,” no matter where the summer takes them. Instead of content-driven classes, host drop-in sessions that allow anyone participating in your “Great Summer Brain Build” the chance to check in for support and comradery when they are around. Keep everyone connected through social media with a dedicated group folks can join to share their brain-boosting adventures, ideas, articles and more. Encourage folks to find a “partner in crime” for the brain build – not only are they more likely to meet their training goals in the company of another, they are also more likely to be happier while doing it!

3. Schedule a time to celebrate success. One thing you should definitely put on the calendar? A time to bring everyone together to celebrate the success of your “Great Summer Brain Build.” Let everyone know well in advance when the program will end so they can plan to complete their target goals accordingly. A celebration gives closure to your program and allows folks to applaud their and each other’s achievements. And it’s perfect not only as a wrap-up event, but also a great time to kick off your fall brain training offerings!

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What’s The #1 Secret To Building Better Community Brain Wellness? Friendships

To paraphrase a popular classic tune, friendship  and brain health are the perfect “blendship.” In  celebration of American Heart Month, let’s take a look at some of the heartwarming ways friends help our brains thrive. 

Friends are our partners in crime. 

Being active and engaged across body, mind, and spirit is essential to maintaining sharp thinking,  reducing dementia risk, and staying vital. Finding what we love to do, whether familiar or new, also supports personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and purpose. Having a friend – or two or three! – who share our goals makes it much more likely we will do the things that keep our brains healthy, whether it’s getting out for a walk, trying a new class, or taking a  trip on our bucket list. Having a “partner in crime” can make it much easier to achieve our brain fitness goals and  stay motivated along the way.  

As professionals, we can encourage folks to find some brain boosting buddies by helping clients connect along  common interests. Try a speed “meet and greet” or activities that might draw folks with specific interests with am ple opportunity to get to know each other, such as a walking trip or volunteering in a soup kitchen. 

Friends keep us on our thinking toes.  

Want a great way to give your thinking skills a good workout? Try talking to a friend. Research shows our intellectual  abilities such as attention and memory can be maintained and even improved with practice, no matter how old we  are. We don’t need a computer game to do that! A good conversation with a buddy can capture our attention, get  us thinking fast, and force us to be flexible in our thinking to keep up with each other. We must remember what they  said and hold onto what we want to say – and wait our turn to boot. In addition, friendships shore up our social skills,  so that when we meet new friends or even acquaintances, we can feel more comfortable in our ability to connect. 

Support the cognitive challenges friendships bring by offering social-based brain training, with workouts that  combine the power of informal socializing and formal cognitive workouts to capture the full range of benefits both  can offer. Use programs that actively ask folks to work together, such as a collaborative game in the classroom or  a points-based challenge that awards extra “points” when they work together.  

Friends make us happy. 

A recent study by the technology company K4Connect found residents see their friendships and connections with  others as an important measure of their happiness. Doesn’t that just make sense? As social creatures, we like to  feel connected and supported. Having friends provides that sense of belonging, which in turn is an important part  of promoting our wellbeing. This matters from a brain fitness perspective, as does the ways friendship can buffer  emotional distress, boost our sense of self-worth, and make it easier to value ourselves as we grow older. Finally,  the K4Connect study found that folks who have friends in their community are more likely to stick around. This  suggests that focusing less on attendance and more on helping everyone find their friends is not only good for  their brains and wellbeing, but also for your bottom line. 

Try celebrating the love of friendship this Valentine’s Day with some creative ways to highlight what friendship  means to us and chances to make new ones. And look to add activities to your calendar that explore aspects of  personal growth. Seek programs that give clients the chance for meaningful exploration and common experiences  around topics such as ageism, building resilience, and self-discovery in our third age. They can be a wonderful way  to connect, especially for those in a communal setting who may not know each other well. 

Here’s to the many ways friendship warms our minds and hearts, at every age! 

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How Robust is Wellness in Your Memory Care?

3 Reasons Why It Matters

Want a way to disrupt the experience of memory loss and improve the quality of daily life for your residents living with dementia? Try wellness.

Many companies are investing in bringing engaging, comprehensive wellness programs to their communities, especially now. Yet often we see these robust offerings do not extend to memory care settings. They should – and here are some good reasons why you should make wellness initiatives in dementia care a high priority.

Wellness changes the dementia experience. Research shows that intervention across wellness behaviors for those living with dementia is associated with better daily functioning as well as preserving the individual’s quality of life. Some evidence even suggests that a multi-pronged wellness intervention can slow disease progression. In a large study known as the FINGER trial, Finnish researchers found that an intensive program combining physical exercise, group-based cognitive training, nutritional changes and enhanced medical management significantly improved global cognition scores and slowed decline in a group of individuals with early cognitive changes. Lifestyle changes like these are simple to teach, easy to implement, affordable to provide and can make a big difference in the lives of your residents.

Wellness includes meaningful cognitive interventions. As an expert in brain health, I know the best way to boost cognitive fitness is to marry cognitive training with wellness interventions. Intellectual function is a major pillar of the wellness picture, not separate from it. This is true for everyone across the cognitive continuum. The cutting-edge evidence shows that individuals living with memory loss can benefit from cognitive stimulation targeting thinking skills to support everyday functioning, strategy training to help compensate for attention and memory changes and continued intellectual engagement with enriching and creative opportunities. Doing less, for example only reminiscing-style programs or “keep them busy” activities, may deny residents of the chance to benefit fully from the full weight of the science.

Wellness is critical to a person-centered approach. No doubt you strive to offer a person-centered dementia care approach that recognizes and nurtures the whole individual. In that case, wellness should be a “no-brainer” priority for your memory care settings. Wellness engagement is easily adaptable to meet a person’s unique needs, reflect their personal passions, and engage in ways that promote communication and meaningful connections. Having the opportunity to engage in staying healthy is empowering and promotes confidence. Simply put, a wellness-based approach clicks all the boxes on what it takes to truly put the individual living with dementia at the center of your planning.

Everyone deserves to live well, no matter what challenges we face. Individuals living with dementia should be empowered at every opportunity with ways to stay physically active, intellectually challenged, emotionally healthy and socially connected. Making robust, meaningful wellness programming central to your memory care strategy can do just that.

Want to learn more? Join us for a free educational webinar: Everyone Deserves Brain Wellness! on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 12:00 – 12:30 pm ET:  Click here to register.

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