Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: Memory Care Programs at Sagora
Did you know that June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are currently 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million. Sagora Senior Living is proud to offer memory care programs designed to meet the unique needs of families and seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory-related diseases. Our communities offer a variety of programs and activities including:
- The Westmore now offers the BikeAround™ virtual reality biking system. Through this experience, residents can input any street address and bike through their childhood neighborhoods, explore new cities and experience the joys of reminiscing through a virtual reality experience like no other. BikeAround™ was designed to combine reminiscence therapy with safe, customized physical therapy for people with dementia. Learn more about this system here.
- Each of our memory care communities offer a special dining experience called Dining with GRACE. The program is called Dining with GRACE because it encompasses the five tiers the program is governed by: G – great food, R – respect, A – atmosphere, C – chef prepared, E – every meal: every day. Prior to their meal, residents are offered warmed, damp towels infused with essential oils – this stimulates the senses, establishes a routine and ensures clean hands before meals. Two different chef-prepared meals are visually presented to the residents to give an opportunity to choose without added confusion. While residents are enjoying their meals, care associates are encouraged to engage in conversation with residents – all while pleasant music is played to set the experience.
- In addition to independent and interactive activities such as outings, discussion group, crafts, social events and clubs, we have fun and engaging physical activities appropriate for residents’ abilities. Whether it’s water aerobics, group stretching, balance class or scarf dancing – our residents are moving!
- Ellery Arbor has formed a community choir comprised of residents and a few family members. The choir practices throughout the month and performs for their neighbors. In May of 2019, the choir boldly kicked off the “I’ve Got Joy” concert with The Walk Church. In their full choir robes, the residents stood in front of over 70 people and sang two beautiful hymns. The incorporation of this purposeful programming gives the residents a sense of accomplishment and pride.
- Outside each resident apartment is a shadow box, or memory box. We work with the family to complete these to reflect our resident’s interests and hobbies. These are decorated with a variety of items. The main purpose of the box is:
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- To help residents recognize their rooms
- Create conversation starters for associates to be able to build rapport with the residents as they greet them throughout the day and especially when entering their apartment.
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- Cherished memory collections are baskets or boxes with items that are intended to elicit stories and memories from the residents. Each box is filled with photos, familiar smells, recipes and any other tangible items that residents can share stories about and reminisce with. This program can be used independently for residents that enjoy rummaging, one-on-one with one of our associates where we ask open-ended questions and create opportunities for the stories to be told, or as a group in which we can take out the resident’s cherished memory collection box and pass around items and see what we might have in common while they share their story.
It’s our mission to cherish and support our residents in every way possible to ensure a complete and fulfilling life. These programs and activities are designed to enrich and embolden the lives of our memory care residents. For more information on how Sagora can ensure or encourage your loved one to live their best quality of life, call or visit one of our memory care communities.