Socializing and Engagement: An Important Part of Memory Care

Human beings thrive on emotional connection. We are social beings, and are naturally drawn to each other to experience joy, sorrow, interest, excitement and every emotion you can think of. That need for socialization doesn’t go away as we age – in fact, it only increases in importance. For individuals living with a form of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease, staying socially engaged can actually help improve their quality of life.

Socialization – being with friends or loved ones, being involved in activities that are interesting to you or using your brain to solve a problem or perform a function – boosts your mood, improves your cognitive function and reduces stress. For memory care patients, being social and engaged reduces boredom, depression and disturbing behaviors as well as providing a sense of purpose and happiness.

Here are four reasons why consistent engagement and socialization play such an important role in memory care:

It improves brain health. Studies show that people in the early stages of dementia who have a broad social network have better cognitive function and a slower decline than those who are socially isolated.

It provides a sense of belonging. Having a purpose is incredibly important to all of us, no matter how young or old we are. By interacting with others, we gain a feeling of belonging. Pair that with an exercise or activity that’s interesting or important to you, and your sense of self-worth increases.

It can help enhance and maintain focus. When the brain is active and challenged, it becomes easier for older individuals to focus on tasks. This can help memory patients remain as independent as possible.

It strengthens the connection to the present. Individuals with dementia often live in the past and have difficulty comprehending the present. Socialization can bring a sense of normal order and structure to life and helps the brain connect to the here and now.

It’s important to make sure that any engagement or socialization opportunities are introduced with care in order to not make the individual with dementia feel threatened or confused. Start small and focus on activities that may have held great meaning for your loved one in the past. Be patient and understanding and introduce new activities or people in a nurturing and safe environment. Remember that even small things can play a huge role in happiness – even sitting down with your loved one and looking through a photo album can spark memories, encourage conversation and provide meaningful moments.

At Avalon, we understand the importance that socialization and engagement play in the lives of our residents. Each member of our community has the opportunity to participate in fun and varied social and recreational programing. Residents enjoy exercise, gardening, baking, games, and other organized events on a regular basis. Robust activities help maintain communication skills, increase self-worth and enhance or maintain overall health.

These opportunities are just one way we keep our residents engaged and participating in life. Our communities are designed for all individuals with memory issues and offer private apartments that can be decorated with your furniture and personal touches. By providing a welcoming, fun, engaging environment we ensure our communities truly feel like home.

Avalon offers memory care for individuals who have dementia or other cognitive issues. For information on Avalon and how we can help you or a loved one, please call us today at (972) 713-1383.

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Testimonials

“Since my mother has lived at Avalon, I have had peace of mind for the first time since Alzheimer’s began to exact its terrible price from my mother’s life. Thank you for your part in making our lives better.”

Daughter | Ft. Worth, TX

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the care and love afforded to my mom over the last two weeks. Your success in finding such quality people has my gratitude and respect.”

Daughter | Dallas, TX

“We are very pleased with all of the efforts that your caring staff has made to smooth this traumatic transition.”

Son | Plano, TX

“I know my husband had the very best care in his final days. I regret that I did not know about Avalon sooner.”

Wife | Dallas, TX

“Mom spent the final 8 months of her life in Avalon Memory Care in Allen. The staff was great. There was rarely a day that my brother or I did not come by and they were always friendly to us and did their best to make mom comfortable and happy. We really appreciated them for everything they did.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“Making the decision to place my mother in residential memory care was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. But living at Avalon has been the best thing for her at this stage of her life.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“My grandmother has lived at Avalon Memory Care for 6 months now. I cannot speak highly enough about the warmth, dedication, and caring compassion of the staff. They always make us feel welcome and go out of their way to work with us to accommodate grandma’s needs.”

Grandson | Arlington, TX

“My grandmother spent her final days at Avalon and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to care for her. The caregivers are attentive and kind, and many of them have been with Avalon for years. If you are looking for a place to love on you and your family in a season that is inevitably difficult, Avalon is a wonderful choice.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX

“We are delighted with the facility of Avalon Memory Care. We just placed Grandma in an apartment with them and couldn’t be happier. It is clean and well-lit, and everyone greets us, down to the folks who clean up.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX