Memory care is about more than just helping with daily tasks. It’s about creating a warm, supportive environment where your loved one can rediscover joy and connection. At The Landing at Poughkeepsie, a Lilac Trace Memory Care neighborhood, we offer a variety of engaging activities, from revisiting old hobbies to exploring new interests like music, art, games, gardening, and nature walks.
These activities are designed to spark happiness and a sense of purpose, making every day a little brighter for those navigating dementia.
Our memory care program promotes a psychosocial and active life by incorporating social, educational, nutritional, emotional, and spiritual activities.
Music Therapy
Music can transport us to different times and places, evoking emotions and memories. For those with dementia, music therapy can be a powerful tool to reconnect with their past and can offer additional benefits like relaxation, reducing agitation, and improving cognitive function.
Activities can include creating personalized playlists featuring their favorite tunes and encouraging them to sing along, tap their feet, and reminisce.
Whether it’s a nostalgic melody or a lively tune, the power of music can bring a burst of energy and positivity into their lives.
Artistic Expression
Engaging in creative activities is a wonderful way for those with dementia to stimulate the mind and nurture the soul. Art provides a unique medium for self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their emotions and inner world in a safe and supportive environment.
We offer several artistic activities tailored to different abilities and interests. From vibrant painting and drawing sessions to sculpting with clay or creating large-scale murals as a group, the focus is on enjoyment and the creation process itself.
The sensory experience of working with different textures and colors can be very stimulating, and the resulting artwork can often surprise loved ones, mirroring memories and personalities in unexpected ways. The creative process can unlock hidden memories and emotions, allowing individuals to express themselves in ways that words sometimes cannot.
Nature Walks
Spending time in nature offers many benefits for those with dementia. Fresh air and sunshine promote physical and mental well-being, while vibrant flowers, chirping birds, and the gentle breeze provide a calming sensory experience. Familiar scents can even trigger happy memories of past walks in nature, sparking conversation and a sense of connection.
Walking is a low-impact activity that helps maintain mobility, and simple activities like watering plants or touching different textures can be engaging and stimulating. These moments of connection with nature can be incredibly calming and uplifting for individuals with dementia.
The Landing of Poughkeepsie features on-site gardens, and the convenient location gives access to the nearby Walkway over the Hudson for breathtaking views and the scenic grounds of Vassar College and the Vanderbilt Mansion.
Memory Games
Keeping the mind active is crucial for individuals with dementia. Memory games offer an enjoyable and stimulating way to combat cognitive decline and memory loss.
Matching games and picture recognition activities can be great for those with strong visual memory, and people who excel in word association might enjoy trivia or word games. Playing games with groups encourages friendly competition and social interaction, and the joy of solving puzzles and recalling information together can provide mental stimulation, boost confidence and self-esteem, and create moments of genuine connection.
Pet Therapy
The unconditional love and companionship of animals can profoundly impact emotional well-being. The Landing at Poughkeepsie offers pet therapy as part of our comprehensive dementia care program. Our furry friends are specially trained to provide comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase socialization for individuals with memory loss.
Petting a dog or cat has been shown to release endorphins, decrease cortisol levels, and improve moods. In addition to the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals, pet therapy provides new experiences and stimuli that can help improve cognitive function.
Gardening
A little greenery can go a long way toward improving overall health and happiness, offering both physical and mental benefits.
Gardening is a low-impact exercise that promotes sensory stimulation and can improve hand-eye coordination. It also offers an opportunity to connect with nature and be outdoors, which has been linked to reducing stress and improving mood.
Gardening also allows for creativity and self-expression through selecting plants, arranging them in the garden, and caring for them. This sense of purpose can significantly benefit those with dementia by giving them a sense of accomplishment and boosting self-esteem.
Cooking Adventures
Cooking is a multi-sensory experience that engages the mind, body, and senses, reducing the behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia. Simple tasks like measuring ingredients, stirring a pot, or helping with food preparation can be adapted to different abilities.
Creating a meal together fosters a sense of accomplishment and joy, while the familiar aromas of cooking can trigger happy memories of past meals or family gatherings. These positive associations can enhance the dining experience, turning everyday moments into celebrations.
Energizing Physical Activities
Staying active is crucial for older adults with dementia, and the benefits go far beyond simple enjoyment. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function, especially executive functioning and memory in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It can also promote independent living and contribute to improved psychological well-being.
Gentle exercises include:
- Low-impact chair exercises: These seated exercises improve flexibility, strength, and coordination.
- Walking groups: Enjoying the outdoors together promotes physical activity and social interaction.
- Adapted yoga or dance classes: These gentle movements can improve balance, coordination, and range of motion.
Enriching Storytelling Sessions
Sharing stories is a wonderful way to connect with the past and present. Using photographs, keepsakes, and treasured belongings can spark memories and conversations. Story sessions can be enjoyed individually or in a group setting, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Familiar objects can act as prompts, encouraging reminiscing and even the preservation of personal history.
Creative story therapy goes beyond reminiscing. It involves creating new stories together, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and depression in people with dementia. This approach can also promote social interaction, as individuals share their own stories and listen to those of others.
No matter the story, these activities can enhance overall well-being and quality of life for those with dementia.
Holistic Support in Memory Care
At The Landing of Poughkeepsie, we believe in a holistic approach to memory care, focusing on our residents’ physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Engaging in activities tailored to individual interests and abilities goes beyond mere enjoyment. It fosters a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection, enriching the lives of our residents.
If you’re a family member considering memory care for a loved one with dementia, schedule a visit to The Landing of Poughkeepsie to discover our personalized approach to care specifically designed for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
