Sensory experiences at SummerHouse Beau Ridge in beautiful Ridgeland, MS, use touch, sound, smell, and sight to help trigger memories and lift moods. These activities help seniors with dementia stay calm and more aware of their surroundings.
Have you heard? Researchers estimate that more than 40% of Americans over age 55 will develop dementia someday. This is sobering.
If that time comes, it may be the right moment to consider moving to a memory care community. However, finding the right community means more than choosing a comfortable home.
You want a community that truly understands the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s or other memory challenges. At SummerHouse Beau Ridge, the SHINE Memory Care program creates an environment that helps residents reconnect through all five senses.
What Is Memory Care for Seniors?
Memory care offers specialized support for older adults living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It provides a secure setting for seniors and structured daily routines. It also includes daily activities that promote comfort and confidence.
At SummerHouse Beau Ridge, staff are specially trained and use proven methods to guide each senior through the day with understanding and compassion. The goal of our calming memory care program is to:
- Reduce stress
- Ease confusion
- Help residents feel safe
- Encourage friendships
What Are Some Sensory Experiences for Seniors With Cognitive Decline?
Multi-sensory care focuses on engaging all five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Engaging these senses can help seniors with dementia improve their focus.
These experiences can help bring back familiar feelings and encourage relaxation. Below, we’ll touch on a few sensory experiences that can help seniors in memory care.
Pet Therapy Sessions
Pet therapy is an excellent opportunity for seniors to engage in sensory experiences. Gentle time with cats, dogs, or even miniature horses can calm seniors’ anxiety and boost their mood. These connections with pets create meaningful bonds that words alone can’t express.
However, not every community offers pet therapy. Families can, instead, invite an independent pet therapist to visit.
Baking
Baking is a tactile activity that can help seniors unlock their memories of home and family. Simple sensory experiences, such as kneading dough or tasting familiar flavors, give seniors a sense of purpose while stimulating their memory and coordination. And who doesn’t like the scent of freshly-baked bread or cookies in the afternoon?
Coloring or Painting Sessions
Art provides peaceful enrichment for dementia patients by encouraging focus and creativity. At SummerHouse Beau Ridge, all our residents have access to our well-stocked Arts and Crafts Studio.
When seniors are coloring or painting, using soft colors and easy brushstrokes can help reduce restlessness and induce a feeling of calm. They also allow seniors to express emotions they may not be able to share through speech.
Tactile Hand Massage
A gentle hand massage is another powerful sensory experience for seniors with cognitive decline. This form of sensory-based support enhances circulation and alleviates tension through slow and rhythmic motions. It also offers seniors comfort and physical connection, which is vital for older adults, especially those who feel isolated and lonely.
Gardening
Planting flowers, watering herbs, or feeling the soil between the fingers are all effective ways to connect memory care residents with nature. The sights, scents, and textures of gardening can help boost mood and reduce anxiety. It can also provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment for seniors as they watch their flowers or herbs bloom.
Organizing Things
Simple organizing activities, such as sorting coins, arranging silverware, or grouping buttons by color, can offer seniors with Alzheimer’s a way to find calm focus. These hands-on tasks provide seniors with a sense of order and control, which is often necessary when memory becomes uncertain. Additionally, small wins, like finishing a drawer or lining up cups, build confidence and pride while keeping the mind active.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Know When It’s Time for Memory Care?
It may be time to consider memory care when your loved one struggles with daily tasks, gets lost in familiar places, or becomes anxious or withdrawn. Safety concerns can also signal that your loved one may need extra support. For instance, leaving the stove on or wandering.
The right community can provide structure and care while easing the emotional weight on family members. It’s essential to trust your instincts. If caring for your loved one at home feels overwhelming, professional help can make life safer and more peaceful for everyone.
Does a Meal Routine Help Seniors With Dementia?
Yes, it really does. Consistent meal times create memory-friendly routines that make each day feel familiar and reassuring.
When breakfast, lunch, and dinner happen at the same times, seniors know what to expect, which helps ease anxiety and confusion. The sights and smells of favorite dishes can also help evoke warm memories and boost the appetite.
Mealtime isn’t just about food, though. It’s also a moment for connection with other residents. Sitting down together encourages conversation and smiles, which can foster a greater sense of belonging.
What Foods Are Good for Memory?
A balanced diet is vital for older adults because it supports brain health and overall well-being. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, help protect brain cells. Blueberries, leafy greens, and whole grains provide antioxidants and nutrients that enhance focus and memory.
Many seniors often forget to drink water, making staying hydrated a vital necessity. Hydration also helps support attention and mood.
Creating Meaningful Moments Through Memory Care
Sensory experiences include engaging all five senses. It can be achieved through activities such as pet therapy, baking, art, hand massages, gardening, and organizing. All of these activities can help ease stress on vulnerable seniors.
Discover peace of mind at SummerHouse Beau Ridge, where our award-winning SHINE Memory Care program, recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association, brings structure and compassion to every day.
Through sensory-rich activities and gentle, failure-free games, your loved one can thrive in a calm, engaging setting designed just for them. Contact us today to learn how calming memory care can make every moment meaningful.
