What Activities Are Offered in Memory Care Communities?

Memory care communities focus on providing the support and resources required for residents to thrive. A huge part of holistic memory care is providing opportunities for purpose-driven activities and life enrichment based on residents’ preferences. This includes access to extracurricular, wellness, and development activities that suit the individual’s lifestyle needs.

A Look into Life at a Senior Living Community

Daily life for residents in senior living communities has come a long way. These communities are ripe with opportunities for growth and connection, catering to virtually every type of person and lifestyle. This contemporary approach applies to the levels of support, recreational programs, and amenities that the community offers. Naturally, each community offering will vary, but the ultimate goal should be to provide holistic, intentional care to every resident.

Let’s take a look at some of the types of activities offered in memory care communities and a few examples of these opportunities, including what they tend to look like at a Cedarhurst senior living community.

Activities in Memory Care Communities

Exceptional memory care communities go above and beyond for residents, helping them to create a life in which they feel empowered and comfortable. This means communities must provide access to more than just activities that keep residents busy.

For example, at Cedarhurst, we carefully plan activities in our memory care communities that meet the unique needs of each resident with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Not only are socialization opportunities plentiful, but an individualized experience also helps each person feel at home while preserving their dignity.

Events and activities in memory care look different in every community. Here are some general types of programs that are commonly offered in memory care communities and what they look like in context:

Recreational and Wellness Activities

Residents typically have access to a range of extracurricular activities in memory care, with accommodations for various interests and hobbies. These leisure activities intend to promote wellness and help residents achieve personal goals through active participation. For example:

Games

Whether you prefer games with a group or you’re more of a solitaire player, activities in memory care should include fun pastimes and games, such as bingo, board games, jigsaw puzzles, bocce ball, and even video games. Games and puzzles can help with cognitive functions, such as short-term memory, emotional regulation, and communication, as well as problem-solving and reaction time.

Pet Therapy

There are several benefits of animals for seniors, including social and emotional support that can decrease loneliness and distress while improving quality of life. Animal-assisted therapy can help improve cognitive function, provide socialization opportunities, and offer health benefits such as decreased blood pressure, anxiety, and cholesterol levels.

Fitness

Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, is proven to be effective at improving cognition, independent functioning, and psychological health while preventing cognitive decline and mitigating impairment in those with dementia and similar conditions. Cedarhurst’s MOST Fitness Program℠ consists of strength and balance exercises, plus a specially designed walking regimen. Exercise activities in memory care are aimed at helping your loved one maintain their personal fitness and continue to get stronger while complementing current rehabilitation efforts.

Nutrition

In those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss. Proper diet plays a significant role in memory care, which is why we include it as part of our personalized care plans at Cedarhurst. After an assessment to determine your loved one’s cognitive baseline, we create an individualized plan to help them keep their brain sharp with nutritious menu choices, such as our Boost Your Brain℠ smoothies. 

Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness exercises can be incredibly beneficial for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia; these activities help reduce stress, increase oxygen flow, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. Cedarhurst’s Movements and Mantras program leverages breathing exercises and mindfulness practices, which have been shown to help slow the progression of these conditions.

Purpose-Driven Activities

Our guiding philosophy at Cedarhurst is called Living TRUE℠, which helps ensure every resident feels supported, valued, and loved and has the resources they need to live life to the fullest. This philosophy allows us to tailor programming to each resident, and it all starts with asking incoming residents’ loved ones to complete a Resident Life Story, which tells us all about your loved one. This enables our staff to help them maintain a daily routine and develop healthy habits, which are crucial for managing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

We use the information in your loved one’s life story to guide the activities that may be most meaningful to them and provide purpose. For example, if a resident worked in maintenance, the activities that mean the most to them may include tasks such as checking light switches, cabinets, and chair legs or tinkering with personal projects.

Additional Opportunities

Other activities, such as art and music therapy, also have a place in memory care communities. These creative activities are excellent avenues for self-expression and meaningful engagement, plus they encourage physical movement. Examples of these activities include dancing, playing instruments, sketching, painting, and other artistic pursuits.

Cedarhurst communities also emphasize continued education and development opportunities. Being given the chance to master new skills, explore different hobbies, and cultivate knowledge keeps your brain sharp and offers meaningful ways to spend time. All of this illustrates our commitment to encouraging our residents to be lifelong learners.

Residents also have the advantage of hosting and attending parties, celebrations, or other special events in our shared community spaces. This not only gives them something to look forward to but also allows residents to share in the joy of their achievements, occasions, and religious observances.

Memory Care Activities for Every Interest and Lifestyle

Senior living communities should make a full social or event calendar and plenty of enrichment opportunities available to their residents, including those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. As opposed to only focusing on physical health, care plans and activities in memory care should engage the whole person and align with their individual interests, preferences, and skills. 

Knowing what to expect when considering a memory care community for your loved one is the first step in helping them feel comfortable and at home as quickly as possible after they move in. As you know, choosing a senior living community isn’t a decision to take lightly, and ensuring all psychological, emotional, and physical needs are met should be the top priority for anyone looking at memory care communities. That’s why Cedarhurst tries to provide as much insight as we can about support levels, resources, offerings, and activities in memory care, so you know your loved one is in a place that prioritizes every aspect of their well-being.

To get a better idea of what’s included in memory care and how much it costs, refer to our Insider’s Guide to Understanding Memory Care Pricing.