Our brains and bodies require additional care as we age, especially for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Bearing witness to your loved one struggling with memory loss can be emotionally taxing.
However, life doesn’t have to be a struggle entirely. At Ridgeland Place, we understand that caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s requires specialized support, so we offer memory care services tailored to each individual’s needs.
Memory care in Ridgeland in our community provides a secure and nurturing environment. Professionally trained caregivers provide seniors with the care they need. That includes a focus on forming new relationships and strengthening old ones. People with Alzheimer’s benefit from social interaction.
Did you know that social interactions can help alleviate mental and psychosocial stress, the primary contributor to neurological diseases?
When we are isolated, we face mental and psychosocial stress from not interacting with others. It worsens for Alzheimer’s patients. Social interaction rescues Alzheimer patients’ memory deficit by increasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
BDNF is a protein that promotes brain neurons’ growth and survival. Regular social interaction increases BDNF expression, thereby preserving cognitive function and memory. Seniors considered isolated are 27 percent more likely to develop dementia.
Our Ridgeland memory care focuses on social interaction for residents with Alzheimer’s. A structured environment helps regulate social interactions to enhance brain function and slow memory loss.
The Five Types of Social Interaction
Social interaction can take many forms and serve a purpose. The common types of interactions are how we learn, make money, and resolve conflict. They are also seen to benefit the Connections memory care program in Ridgeland, MS.
Exchange: This type of social interaction refers to the process of giving and receiving, whether information, goods, or services. An example of this in a memory care community could be a group of seniors playing cards and trading tips and strategies.
Competition: Competition refers to individuals or groups competing for resources, such as attention, status, or power. A friendly game of bingo or other types of games in a dementia care community can be a stimulating and motivational competitive activity.
Conflict: Conflicts occur when two or more individuals or groups have opposing goals or values that prevent them from getting along. In Alzheimer’s care, disputes can arise when individuals have trouble sharing stories or memories. It’s essential to have a trained dementia care specialist to help facilitate and de-escalate conflicts.
Cooperation: Cooperation refers to the process of working together towards a common goal. Elderly individuals with memory loss can collaborate in activities like gardening, crafting, or writing. Such activities provide opportunities to enhance social skills while helping to improve cognitive functionality.
Accommodation: Accommodation refers to individuals or groups changing their behaviors or beliefs to coexist with others. Caregivers need to be adaptable in a memory care setting and make provisions for all residents.
Incorporating these forms of social interaction into a memory care community has numerous benefits for seniors. Social interaction can help:
- Reduce stress
- Alleviate feelings of loneliness
- Fight depression
- Promote physical and mental health
By offering a structured and diverse range of social interaction opportunities, seniors can feel engaged, active, and valued in their communities, essential for their overall well-being.
Connections: Data-Based Memory Care in Ridgeland, MS
At Ridgeland Place, we aim to provide seniors with the highest quality of care based on their specific needs. Our Alzheimer’s care program creates a meaningful and nurturing environment that stimulates cognitive functions to preserve memory.
The main points of our dementia care are:
- Connect
- Move
- Learn
Connections encourages residents to connect socially, move physically and learn new skills to slow memory loss. This process is linked to neuroplasticity therapy and was designed by Dr. Sandra Petersen.
The Types of Social Interaction We Incorporate into Our Memory Care
Social interaction can take many forms, from simple conversations to shared activities and experiences. Social interaction is crucial for seniors with memory loss because it can alleviate stress and loneliness, provide emotional support, and encourage mental and physical engagement.
At Ridgeland Place, we incorporate many interactions into our memory care program. Our team provides a structured and nurturing environment that helps seniors:
- Engage with their surroundings
- Feel connected
- Maintain positive mental and physical health
Stimulating Activities
At Ridgeland Place, we focus on providing stimulating activities for our seniors. This includes group-based sensory activities, such as board games, crafts, musical therapy, aromatherapy, and art therapy. It keeps individuals active and engaged, promoting social interactions that help maintain cognitive function.
Physical Wellness
This type of stimulation refers to activities that encourage movement and physical activity, such as chair exercises or light walking. For seniors with memory loss, physical stimulation can help maintain physical function, improve mood, and increase social engagement. Heart health compliments brain health.
Brain Challenges
Cognitive stimulation refers to activities and interactions that challenge the mind and encourage cognitive processing. Examples of mental stimulation include reading, crossword puzzles, and concept mapping. For seniors with memory loss, cognitive stimulation can help preserve cognitive function, delay memory loss, and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Group challenges such as puzzles or trivia can help form new bonds.
One-to-one Sessions
These sessions offer one-on-one time with a trained team member to provide companionship and social engagement. For instance, having conversations, playing games, or going for a walk may be ways our team offers individualized services for a resident’s unique needs.
Find New Friends For Your Loved One With Dementia
We understand that memory loss can be a challenging experience, and we strive to provide the support and care necessary to ensure that seniors live comfortably despite dementia. Contact us to learn more about our social memory care program at Ridgeland Place.