As we grow older, maintaining our overall health is important. However, health goals should also include cognitive health. Mental health is an essential aspect of holistic wellness and should be a focal point even if there is already an existing dementia diagnosis. In fact, professional memory care residences already understand the importance of providing their residents with a range of ways to remain cognitively active, and technology can play a vital role in these activities. Here are just a few ways that technology has inspired many memory care residents to stay engaged and as healthy as possible.

  • Enhanced Cognitive Ability: Daily cognitive fitness involves remaining engaged in life and learning new skills. Even those individuals who are already living with dementia can get involved in non-judgmental, free cognitive activities to strengthen self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. The National Institute on Aging has stated that mental health activities can boost “cognitive reserve,” the mind’s and brain’s resistance to damage of the brain. Technology can help the professionals in memory care facilities to make cognitive-based activities more fun and stimulating. Tablets are especially useful in looking up old commercials, nostalgic TV shows, or even Game 7 of the 1985 World Series.
  • Memory Recall: Families can help their loved ones to strengthen their cognitive capabilities by providing a device preloaded with family photos, cherished videos, or a playlist of favorite songs and artists. They can also load simple games that will strengthen mental focus and send daily video messages. There are many ways that dementia patients can use technology, and it is limited only to the creativity of the family and administration.
  • Security and Safety: Memory care facilities know that technology greatly enhances safety and security. Whether used for personal call systems that allow assistance at the push of a button or medical alert systems, technology ensures residents are never alone in their time of need.  Tech also safeguards residents who are prone to wandering, controlling locked doors that can only be accessed with a passcode. Residents can therefore wander safely without getting outside or into an unfamiliar part of the facility.
  • Cooperation with Family: Technology also facilitates family communication. Loved ones can stay connected with their senior family member throughout the week or between visits, and residents can be given the opportunity to video call their family if they feel lonely or isolated. During COVID, most memory care centers also became comfortable discussing care plans over Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and this has made it far easier for administration and family to collaborate on needed care.
  • Enhanced Experiences: It can sometimes be difficult to bring dementia patients on excursions such as museums, planetariums, or nature preserve walks. Technology brings everything to the facility and even allows patients to watch their favorite performers or theater presentations on the big screen.  Technology allows for trivia games with family in the next state or games of checkers with a remote pen pal. The right technology can transform a solitary or isolated existence into a vibrant event with friends.Depending on the progression of their loved one’s dementia, families may decide to provide them with a large-screen monitor for their room – or provide the staff at their memory care facility with a tablet to facilitate video calls. Those with technology knowledge may work with the facility to create interactive games and experiences for residents, including sessions to teach them basic skills.

    My Care Finders is a professional service that helps Florida families to locate and select the best memory care or assisted living facility for their loved ones. We’ve done all the research, and we are here to help. Remember, our services are always FREE.