How Do Personal Interactions Benefit Memory Care Residents?

The advantages of social interactions in memory care centers have been researched extensively and cannot be emphasized strongly enough. People with dementia face cognitive challenges and may struggle to reach their full potential. Without specialized care, their abilities might not be fully supported.

The Philomena | Seniors doing activities together
The Retreat is the memory care center at The Philomena, a social senior living community in Kyle, TX.

Focused, person-centered attention from team members at The Philomena can create and nurture positive environments that lead to better outcomes and quality of life.

The Role of Social Activity in A Center for Memory Care

Numerous studies show social activity can benefit cognitive health. Here are some key ways it impacts dementia care residents:

  • Enhances cognitive function and slows cognitive decline
  • Reduces levels of stress and anxiety
  • Improves emotional well-being and mood
  • Encourages physical activity, promoting overall health
  • Strengthens social connections, reducing feelings of isolation

Maintaining social connections and engaging in social activity can significantly benefit the cognitive health of older adults. In the United States, dementia care communities increasingly recognize the importance of fostering social networks to provide emotional support and reduce the risk of isolation.

Interacting with people who have dementia requires understanding and patience. It’s essential to create an environment where friends and family feel comfortable engaging with residents, offering both emotional and physical support. This interaction not only helps reduce stress levels but also contributes to the overall health benefits for residents and their loved ones.

Incorporating physical activity into social interactions can further enhance these benefits, addressing mental and physical health problems. By prioritizing social and physical activities, dementia care centers can improve the quality of life for their residents and ensure they receive comprehensive health care that addresses their unique needs.

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia*, a decline in mental ability that impacts one’s day-to-day activities. Symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty remembering appointments
  • Issues with completing tasks like meal preparation and paying bills
  • Wandering and getting lost
  • Problems with short-term memory

All forms of dementia are progressive and generally lead to behavior changes and marked confusion.

Seniors who have Alzheimer’s usually find that they are unable to recall new information when the condition first becomes apparent. Over time, the physical symptoms can include difficulties with walking, speaking, and swallowing.

Age is one of the most significant risk factors, but there are hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s who are under age 65. Dementia is not directly caused by aging – it results from damaged brain cells.

Socialization is one key way to ensure people with dementia can continue building brain connections.

A Lack of Personal Interactions Leads to Isolation

People who have dementia experience personality changes as their symptoms progress. It makes it harder for them to engage with others socially, and they can feel embarrassed and experience significant anxiety.

Some begin isolating themselves, which only compounds the problem. Trained team members at a memory care center should recognize this and make every effort to help these residents foster self-confidence and a better sense of well-being through personal interactions.

Living and social environments can be purposefully manipulated to accommodate evolving needs and reduce negative emotions. The goal is to help these residents feel more comfortable with themselves and others.

Guidelines for Personal Interactions With Memory Care Residents

Memory care services, like those offered in The Retreat, have trained team members with skills and experience that help residents and support family members and friends.

The first principle for personal interactions is to speak softly and slowly, without fast or complicated phrases that might be misunderstood or missed altogether. Here are a few more guidelines:

  • Maintain eye contact
  • Use the resident’s name often while talking
  • Stay focused on everything being said
  • Be prepared to repeat things
  • Do not be surprised if the resident becomes emotional
  • Avoid angry responses and be empathetic
  • Point to objects that are being referred to

Timing and Location Are Also Important

No one has the energy to socialize all the time. Communities that provide memory care in Texas have team members who plan social visits and events when their residents feel up for it. For example, seniors with Alzheimer’s can have more energy and focus earlier in the day in calmer, uncluttered environments.

Personal Interactions Can Be Fun, Too

Dementia residents often enjoy playing video games and visiting familiar places. These activities can improve executive function, and personal interactions like these can improve their planning and organizational skills. Fun experiences may also help alleviate anxiety and depression. Caregivers can assist in putting together puzzles, playing Bingo or checkers, and teaching them to use memory apps like MindMate and CogniFit.

Once a memory care resident starts participating in more personal interactions, they may become more open to socializing with others and show improvements elsewhere; many show improved self-care skills.

The keys are understanding their feelings, showing respect, and having patience.

See the Advantages of Social Interactions for Individuals with Dementia at The Philomena

Deciding on the right memory care community is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever need to make. Contact The Philomena in Kyle, Texas, to learn all about our uniquely Austin assisted living care and memory services.

*This article should not replace medical advice. Talk with your doctor regarding any issues you may experience, especially if you suspect memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.

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