What Activities Could an Assisted Living Community Offer a Senior with Alzheimer’s?

The moment an elderly person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it can be devastating. It affects everyone in that person’s life, from their spouse (if they are still married), adult children, grandchildren, friends, and even neighbors. Assisted living, especially memory care, is a great elder care option for seniors who have been diagnosed with some form of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is just one.

Many people have questions about what seniors may or may not be able to do at assisted living when they’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

What they may not be able to do really depends on the individual, how far along they are with regard to the various stages of Alzheimer’s, how advanced the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s have become, and other factors.

What they can do, though, depends on the facility, and below are a list of activities that may be incredibly beneficial for somebody who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, whether they were recently diagnosed or it’s been a few years.

 

Potential Activity #1: Participating in arts and crafts activities.

Assisted Living Pascagoula, AL: Activities and Alzheimer's

Assisted Living Pascagoula, AL: Activities and Alzheimer’s

If the facility provides arts and crafts on a regular or semi regular basis, they might bring in an artist from outside who will give courses or classes on a wide range of artistic endeavors.

The senior who has been dealing with Alzheimer’s can enjoy the activity for what it is, but behind the scenes they may also gain other benefits, including the potential to help slow down the progression of memory loss due to increased mental stimulation (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation).

That’s right, mental stimulation can potentially slow down the progression of memory loss, but this may be more realistic if the senior participates in these activities before or shortly after diagnosis. That doesn’t mean they will no longer be helpful, even if a person only begins them four or five years after diagnosis; participating in these activities can potentially help to increase quality of life, stave off depression or depressive symptoms, and help the senior still feel as though life is worth living.

 

Potential Activity #2: Music.

As with arts and crafts, music can be a wonderful activity for people of all ages, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the senior will be learning a new musical instrument.

Music appreciation, especially classical music appreciation, can be incredibly rewarding for numerous reasons. The patterns and notes of classical music has been known to stimulate certain neural regions, provide a sense of peace and comfort, and even help seniors relax.

 

Potential Activity #3: Physical exercise.

Few things are more beneficial for brain health and physical exercise. The more exercise a person gets — regardless of age — the more it elevates the heart rate, increases circulation throughout the body, and that boosts oxygen flow to the brain.

Some elder care assisted living facilities may have fitness centers, yoga instructors, or just wonderful grounds for seniors to walk and enjoy the beautiful days.

For any senior who has been diagnosed and is dealing with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, assisted living remains one of the leading elder care options, especially as they move through the various stages of these conditions.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to an Assisted Living in Pascagoula, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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