We all can agree that music is good for the soul. But how good is it for those with dementia? As seniors face the challenges of memory loss and cognitive decline, music has proven to be a therapeutic tool that can evoke memories, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. If you are a caregiver to a senior with dementia, here are some indisputable reasons why music should be part of their daily routine. The impact of music on memory Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, cognition, and behavior. It can be isolating and frustrating for individuals as they struggle to maintain their sense of identity and connection with the world around them. However, music has a unique ability to reach beyond the barriers imposed by the disease, tapping into deep-rooted memories and emotions that may otherwise remain dormant. Studies have shown that music has a direct impact on the brain, stimulating neural pathways associated with memory and emotion. Even when other cognitive functions may be impaired, the ability to respond to music often remains intact. Listening to familiar songs from their youth or engaging in musical activities can transport seniors with dementia to earlier times, and facilitate a sense of familiarity and belonging. For instance, if your loved one was a teen in the 50s or 60s, a little Jailhouse Rock or Good Vibrations may unlock some fond memories that may just have them tapping their feet! Music can keep negative dementia behaviors at bay One of the key benefits of music therapy is its ability to regulate and improve mood. Seniors with dementia may experience anxiety, agitation, or depression, but music can help alleviate these symptoms. Calming melodies or songs with a positive association can reduce stress and promote relaxation. This is because the limbic system in the brain (which is responsible for controlling memories and processing emotions) ignites when we listen to music. Additionally, engaging in musical activities, such as a group sing-along or playing an instrument, can provide a sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem and foster a more positive outlook for the rest of the day. Senior socialization can be improved through music If there’s anything we’ve learned in life, it’s this: The two things that almost always bring people together are food and music. Group music sessions create opportunities for seniors to connect with each other, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Singing together, sharing musical memories, or participating in drum circles can strengthen bonds and create a supportive environment where seniors with dementia feel understood and valued. How Lester Senior Living Uses Music to Help Memory Care Residents in NJ At Lester Senior Living, our professional memory care program in NJ incorporates music therapy as an essential component of care. We have trained professionals on site everyday who specialize in using music to address specific goals and needs of individuals with dementia. These caregivers work closely with memory care residents to create personalized playlists and arrange music memory games with the group that cater to their capabilities. We recognize how music can serve as a powerful cue, helping seniors remember routines or prompting them to engage in activities that they may otherwise struggle with. As we continue to explore the potential of music in dementia care, it is clear that it holds immense potential for transforming the lives of seniors and enriching their overall quality of life at Lester Senior Living. To learn more about our specialized memory care suite in Morris County NJ, please contact JCHC today and visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on - https://jchcorp.org/how-does-music-affect-seniors-with-dementia/
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Memory loss is in the news again lately, with the announcement by Hollywood actor Chris Hemingsworth, otherwise known as “Thor” in the Marvel Universe, that he will take a break from acting to spend more time with his family. The announcement comes after Chris received results of genetic testing that revealed he has a particular hereditary gene combination that makes him 8 to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Chris wasn’t entirely surprised as his father already suffers from the disease. Despite the news, Chris is determined to stay in shape and avail himself of all the knowledge medical science has to offer, with regard to preventing or postponing the disease. It’s a stark reminder that many things contribute to cognitive impairment and that aging is not always the cause of an impaired memory. It may be time to gain a better understanding of memory loss disorders, especially, if you have a senior loved one who is contemplating the move into a professional memory care facility. Our advanced memory care team in Morris County has put together some important things to understand about the causes, signs and ways to avoid memory loss. Memory disorder causes A general decline in cognitive and neural function as we get older is normal. This is because as the brain ages, it produces fewer neurotransmitters. Also, the hippocampus which aids in the memory process, also begins to deteriorate over time. These changes in the aging brain are very gradual, so we may not notice we’re having problems with memory or our ability to think until much later in life. However, aging is not always the cause of impaired memory. Memory disorders and memory loss can also be triggered by high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, substance abuse, medication, head injury, stroke, depression and stress. The good news is that a memory disorder caused by these factors can be remediated and the symptoms managed until memory function is almost fully restored. Signs of Memory Loss It’s important to be aware of the most common signs of memory loss in your loved one, especially as they often cause complications to their daily routines. If your loved one is frequently experiencing a number of the signs listed below, please don’t hesitate to have them professionally evaluated and diagnosed.
Avoiding memory disorders Being mindful of these particular triggers can help you avoid or restore memory loss that stems from these factors. For example:
Professional Memory Care in Morris County At Lester Senior Living, we put safety and individualized care at the forefront of everything we do. Our dedicated memory caregivers understand that memory disorders—like the seniors who suffer from them—are all unique. This is why our Memory Care Suite provides an individualized approach to each residents’ memory care, based on the Comfort Matters® philosophy of holistic dementia care. Our memory care providers focus on each resident’s particular needs at all times, to help them foster more meaningful connections with family and friends. With this care method in place, along with dementia-safe living spaces, each memory care resident can experience a better quality of life here at Lester Senior Living. To learn more about our professional memory care in Morris County, please visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on- https://jchcorp.org/understanding-causes-signs-and-ways-to-avoid-memory-loss/ With the winter holidays coming and caregivers planning some time off, concern for senior loved ones is also on the horizon for many people. Who will watch out for mom and dad’s daily needs while I’m away? And, will their interests be attended to in ways that will keep them happy and safe? These concerns are even more magnified when your loved one suffers from a memory loss condition.
For older adults with dementia, Lester Senior Living provides short-term respite stays in our Memory Care Suite. These stays allow seniors with memory disorders to enjoy the safety, security and warmth of a true home-away-from-home, with personalized attention from specially trained caregivers who support each resident’s needs. This is an extension of our assisted living respite program. All respite stays are available for anywhere from ten days to two months, ideal for when family members or regular caregivers are away for short periods of time or need a break. Respite care for seniors with memory loss Respite stays in our intimate Memory Care Suite let seniors with memory issues try out what’s available to our full-time residents. With respite, you’ll find that your loved one receives compassionate care that puts their well-being first, with emphasis on wellness of the body, mind and soul. Our holistic approach includes many different ways to stimulate or soothe, to encourage socialization while also respecting a person’s need for quiet time. Whatever each resident needs at that moment, is what our caregivers are able to provide. Short-term respite care in the Memory Care Suite includes:
On top of the usual amenities available, our respite team also ensures our short-term residents are able to enjoy the holiday season. We do this by offering special activities, events and meals that are signature to the holidays. Some examples include lighting the menorah, having a hanukkah dinner, torah study classes, crafting dreidels and a New Year’s brunch – just to name a few. All of our residents (short and long term) are invited to the special celebrations and are welcome to share their own traditions with us, as we want to ensure everyone feels like they are truly “home for the holidays.” For more information about short-term respite care during the holidays at Lester Senior Living, please give us a call today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on: https://jchcorp.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-holiday-respite-care-for-seniors-with-dementia/ Like exercising our bodies, exercising our minds is just as important as we age. Seniors who engage in memory-stimulating activities regularly have a greater chance of strengthening their cognitive abilities and keeping memory disorders at bay. What’s great is It’s not hard to incorporate these activities into anyone’s daily schedule. And the best part is: they’re fun to do! With that being said, our memory care advisors in Morris County, NJ have put together a list of some memory stimulating activities to keep senior minds sharp.
Trivia: With a variety of topics to choose from, trivia never loses its novelty. Playing different topics like music, history, movies and current events can do two important things for seniors. For one, it can help them tap into different parts of the brain to recall the answers. And the second, it can strengthen short-term memory by giving them something new to learn (we’ll expand more on this later). Not to mention, trivia is also a great way to gather with friends and socialize – which we do a lot of at JCHC’s Lester Senior Living. At Lester, we hold group trivia sessions every week that all of our residents are welcome to participate in. Sudoku: If you haven’t heard of Sudoku and are good with numbers, you’re really missing out! This game works by filling in a 9 by 9 grid using the numbers 1 to 9, never using them more than once vertically, horizontally or within the 3 by 3 subgrids. Sudoku is a great way to practice patience and strengthen pattern recognition. If you or a loved one is looking to play, you can find Sudoku puzzles in your local newspaper, online, or you could purchase a Sudoku book filled with puzzles ranging from easy to difficult. Crossword puzzles: There’s nothing like a good ol’ crossword puzzle with your morning coffee. These puzzles help a ton with memory recollection and your problem solving skills. Just like trivia, there are many different themes to choose from like sports, science, entertainment and art – to name a few. Alongside Sudoku, crossword puzzles can also be found in your local newspaper or you can download the Crossword app to your smartphone or tablet for free. Arts and crafts: One of the best memory-stimulating activities that seniors can take part in are arts and crafts. Keeping their hands busy helps to maintain dexterity, and being able to explore their creativity supports the imaginative parts of the brain. This activity is a win-win because seniors could also use it as an opportunity to make unique, handmade gifts for their friends and family. Learn a New Skill: As we’ve mentioned earlier, learning a new skill is key to keeping your memory sharp. At Lester Senior Living, we encourage memory care residents to attend guest lectures, enroll in different classes and clubs, and read new books in our community library. All of these activities support the brain in creating new neurological connections. Memory support in our senior community in Morris County Lester Senior Living has a designated unit to care and treat those with Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses. Our professional staff on-site are available at all hours of the day to assist memory care residents and provide many opportunities to engage in memory-stimulating activities. Our specialized facility also offers dementia-friendly apartments with 24-hour supervision in a beautiful, suburban setting in local Morris County. To find out more about memory care in Morris County, please visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org Original blog is available on: https://jchcorp.org/memory-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/ If this is Mom’s first mother’s day in memory care you both might still be adjusting to the new normal. Our experts at JCHC are here to assure you that although this is not what you are used to, you are still able to make memories together and enjoy the day with mom. We first urge you to understand that mom might not remember it’s mother’s day, if that is the case, as hard as it is just let it be. The focus isn’t on the day itself as it is just spending time together.
Focusing on mom’s favorite activities before her memory started to change is still a great way to make the day about her. If mom loved to bake or cook but can’t do so anymore, make her favorite treat the night before and bring it over to her. The sense of smell is incredibly strong and might bring back fond memories once she smells her favorite foods or even flowers, especially if those smells and sights are associated with mothers days in the past. Mother’s Day with Dementia Afflicted Seniors If Mom’s favorite activities can still be done or modified so she can still enjoy them, make the effort to do some with her. If she loves to garden you can bring her some new houseplants and transfer them into decorative planters with her. Gardening has many health benefits such as decreasing stress and anxiety, and can be a good exercise. Having houseplants in the home is also known to brighten moods as well as give responsibility and it helps create a routine. Everyone enjoys some pampering from time to time, and what a perfect time to pamper mom on mother’s day. She might enjoy you doing her hair for her, or having you paint her nails a nice color for spring. If hair and nails aren’t in your skillset, you can always try a hand and foot massage. It’s guaranteed to feel good and doesn’t require any special skills, just moms preferred lotion. Getting crafty with activities like scrapbooking is a way to spend your time together and mom gets to keep it when you’re finished. If you’re scrapbooking it might be fun to go through old photos, bringing up forgotten memories. When adding them to the scrapbook, label the photos with the names of the people, activities, and anything else that mom might want to remember about that day. Remember if there is anything mom doesn’t remember avoid trying to remind her of it and don’t argue about it, just move on to another photo. Remember What They Did For Us on Mothers Day While your parents may be slowly forgetting things, it is more important than ever that you remember how they have always cared for you, loved you, and supported you. If you’re looking for a memory care provider for mom to make her journey as comfortable as possible for everyone, our experts at JCHC have a dedicated memory care section, with specific safety features for memory care residents and trained professionals. If you have any questions, please reach out to us, we would love to hear from you. https://jchcorp.org/ The original blog is available on: https://jchcorp.org/mothers-day-activities-for-mom-in-memory-care/ While memory care services are often associated with assisted living and may overlap, the two are not the same. Assisted living primarily focuses on providing essential support for day-to-day living like bathing, dressing, meal preparation and medication, while memory support specifically assists residents with dementia conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re still looking for some insight into how memory care differs, our memory care providers in New Jersey have expanded on what it really means to receive dementia support at a senior community like Lester Senior Living.
Comfortable residential settings for dementia residents Lester offers residents with memory conditions a comfortable, homey residential setting specifically designed to foster the best quality of life. Our staff and memory care specialists are fully trained to care for residents with varying conditions while providing compassionate companionship. Our programs are based on each person’s individual needs and preferences, as well as their cognitive strengths. We incorporate everyday routines into a neighborhood lifestyle, including tasks like setting the table, playing word games, gardening and group discussions. In addition to this, we offer fun, extracurricular programs that promote community engagement and participation including fitness classes, hands-on creative art, music classes and other forms of sensory stimulation and entertainment. By offering comfortable, dementia-friendly apartments, a range of communal activity areas and secure wander management, we strive to balance our memory care services with each resident’s dignity. Customized Memory Care and Support Services in New Jersey At Lester Senior Living, we aim to serve our memory care residents as well as their loved ones with compassion, respect and expert support. Our approach to memory care changes with each resident. We take the time to really get to know your loved one, evaluate their needs, and then determine the level of care needed. By providing meaningful experiences everyday that promote their independence, your loved one can restore and maintain what matters most — their dignity and independence. For more information about our customized memory care services for Alzheimer’s and dementia, please contact us today to arrange for a personal visit or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org Original content posted on https://jchcorp.org/what-does-it-mean-to-receive-memory-support/ |
AuthorWe offer seniors a range of options in terms of housing, services, amenities, location and cost, all within the Jewish tradition: independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite, affordable housing, enriching programs, and on-site services for our residents, many of whom have special needs. Archives
May 2023
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