HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For many families with loved ones affected by cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the holidays can be particularly difficult. According to a recent CDC study, more than 53% of all adult caregivers are afflicted by stress, depression, isolation, anxiety and a general decline in personal health – inhibiting their ability to provide assistance to loved ones during a time when interpersonal connection and quality time spent are paramount.
“During the holidays, the effects of loneliness and isolation are often exacerbated,” says Joyce Mahoney, regional vice president of memory care and therapeutic programs at Belmont Village. “Every day, our teams keep our residents engaged in research-based activities and programs that have proven successful in helping them stay mentally, physically and socially connected. Along those same lines, there are tactics that families at home can use to make things a little easier for everyone.
Tips to make holidays safer and more enjoyable for everyone:
- Plan ahead: Try to keep stress to a minimum. Consider smaller gatherings, be prepared for possible setbacks, and have an exit strategy in place in case your loved one becomes uncomfortable or another situation arises where it is necessary to leave with them sooner ..
- Let other travelers know what to expect: It helps for friends and family to understand that a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may have difficulty following conversations or remembering who people are. Understanding and familiarity with the symptoms of cognitive decline before vacation visits and patience during visits are essential.
- Maintain a routineLoved ones who experience cognitive decline thrive on familiarity and benefit from a familiar and regular daily routine. Try to organize special holiday events while incorporating and maintaining their routine as much as possible. This can help avoid unnecessary stress and confusion while giving you and your loved one a sense of comfort and control.
- Building on traditions and memories: A loved one with dementia may not be able to participate in all the activities they are used to, but that doesn’t mean they can’t partake in the holiday festivities. Altering your traditions or introducing new ones can keep happy holiday activities inclusive and engaging for your loved ones. Keep inclusivity in mind while maintaining annual traditions like watching your favorite holiday movies, baking traditional family recipes, baking seasonal cookies, or singing your favorite carols together. Create a plan with the family who will be joining the gathering, letting them know what to expect and what traditions might be changed. When family and loved ones are aware of the goal, they can all provide a supportive environment for the person with dementia, and the plan will be more effective.
Belmont Village Senior Living communities are designed to balance hospitality, community, and care with cutting-edge medical research. Each Belmont community balances quality care with groundbreaking programs and events to ensure residents are engaged and living their best lives. Belmont Village management and staff have a thorough and knowledgeable understanding of the effects of isolation. With Belmont’s extensive staff training, exclusive programming, more than 25 years of senior living experience, and a unique approach to Whole Brain Fitness model, Belmont Village teams strive to improve the lives of seniors by prioritizing community socialization and engagement, mental stimulation and healthy living, which help all residents develop their cognitive reserve, maintain their cognitive functions and achieve a better quality of life.
Daily physical fitness and the use of outdoor spaces with access to nature provide residents with a peaceful and calm environment conducive to Belmont’s mission to promote brain health. Belmont Village’s unique, exclusive and award-winning property Circle of friends® program Addresses the needs and abilities of residents with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early to moderate stage memory loss. Developed in consultation with Vanderbilt University’s Center for Quality Aging, Circle of Friends® has shown measurable benefits and, in some cases, improved residents’ cognitive function.
For residents with more advanced cognitive decline and dementia, each village in Belmont has a neighborhood dedicated to memory care With bespoke programming designed for each resident that focuses on their individual needs and abilities to help preserve their happiness, health and dignity. Residents continue to follow a Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle while participating in therapeutic activities overseen by highly trained Memory Program Coordinators, each of whom provides constant social engagement through activities ranging from group exercise and individual, yoga, tai chi, meditation and outdoor concerts. All Belmont residents are cared for by a 24/7 on-site registered nurse and carefully selected staff who are specially trained to support each person with care, compassion and respect.
For more in-depth advice, watch ”Navigating between holidays and memory loss“.
About Belmont Village Senior Living
Founded in Houston in 1997, Belmont Village is an integrated developer, owner and operator of high-quality senior housing with more than 4,000 employees. Its 33 locations across the country and in Mexico City offer award-winning assisted living and memory care programs and ongoing collaborations with Baptist Health South Florida, USC, UCLA and many others to continually improve their programs evidence-based cognitive health and enrichment. Renowned for its distinctive design, high living and safety standards, and reputation for industry-leading quality of care, Belmont Village is Great Place to Work® certified and has been ranked among the top 50 places to work for aging services in the world. FORTUNE magazine since 2018. www.belmontvillage.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, instagram and Twitter.
0 Comments