7 Brain-Boosting Ways Senior Living Staff Can Support Residents’ Mental Agility

As we age, our cognitive functions can decline, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks and enjoy life to the fullest. Fortunately, there are simple ways that senior living community staff can support the cognitive functions of their residents, helping them maintain mental acuity and overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven of these methods, backed by statistics and examples.

1. Encourage socialization:?Socializing is crucial to maintaining cognitive function, as it stimulates the brain and provides mental exercise. Encourage residents to socialize with each other and participate in group activities, such as games, music, and arts and crafts. According to a study published in the Journal of Aging and Health, social engagement can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Example:?At the WC Senior Living Community in Maryland, staff organizes regular group activities, including painting classes and book clubs, to encourage socialization among residents.
2. Promote physical activity:?Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Encourage residents to engage in physical activities, such as walking, yoga, and stretching. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, physical activity can improve cognitive function in older adults with or without cognitive impairment.?Example:?At the Sun Retirement Living Community in California, staff organizes daily exercise classes and encourages residents to participate in outdoor activities like gardening.
3. Provide cognitive stimulation:?Providing cognitive stimulation can help residents maintain mental acuity and prevent cognitive decline. Encourage residents to participate in mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzles, crosswords, and memory games. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, cognitive stimulation can improve cognitive function in older adults.?Example:?At the Oak Senior Living Community in Pennsylvania, staff provides residents with crossword puzzles and other brain games to stimulate their cognitive functions.
4. Ensure proper nutrition:?Proper nutrition is essential to maintaining cognitive function, as certain nutrients have been linked to improved brain function. Encourage residents to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve cognitive function in older adults.?Example:?At the Reg Senior Living Community in Georgia, staff ensures that residents receive nutritious meals that include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
5. Encourage sleep:?Sleep is crucial to maintaining cognitive function, as it allows the brain to rest and recharge. Encourage residents to establish a regular sleep schedule and create a sleep-conducive environment. According to a study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews, sleep plays a critical role in cognitive function, and sleep disturbances can lead to cognitive decline.?Example:?At the Bel Village Senior Living Community in Texas, staff provides residents with comfortable bedding, low lighting, and a peaceful environment to encourage restful sleep.
6. Monitor medications:?Medications can affect cognitive function, and some can even cause cognitive decline. Ensure that residents are taking their medications as prescribed and monitor them for any side effects that may impact their cognitive function. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, medication management is essential to maintaining cognitive function in older adults.?Example:?At the Pac Senior Living Community in Arizona, staff monitors residents’ medications and works closely with healthcare providers to ensure that residents are receiving the appropriate medications.
7. Provide emotional support:?Emotional support is essential to maintaining cognitive function, as emotional distress leads to cognitive decline. Provide residents with emotional support and encourage them to express their feelings. According to a study published in the Journal of Gerontology, emotional support can improve cognitive function in older adults. Example:?At the Brook Senior Living Community in Michigan, staff provides residents with emotional support through regular check-ins and counseling services, as well as opportunities to connect with friends and family members.

Final Thought

There are many simple ways that senior living community staff can support the cognitive functions of their residents. Encouraging socialization, promoting physical activity, providing cognitive stimulation, ensuring proper nutrition, encouraging sleep, monitoring medications, and providing emotional support are all effective ways to maintain mental acuity and overall well-being in older adults. By implementing these strategies, senior living community staff can help their residents live happy and fulfilling lives.

Are you looking for a way to support resident cognition in your community? InTouchLink can help! Our easy-to-use systems are designed to enhance social connections and engagement among seniors.

Chat with us?today to learn more about how InTouchLink can support your community.