More than "activities"
Neurocognitive disorders are sometimes called Memory Impairment, a collocation that doesn’t begin to cover the complexity of the symptoms that accompany brain changes. “Memory Impairment” suggests mere difficulty in recalling details, but dementia also comes with unreliable reasoning, mood changes and, often as a result, considerable anxiety as one’s perception of reality becomes tenuous. Fortunately, a well-rounded calendar of activities in a structured memory care setting can alleviate some of the disorientation and the anguish. The structured program creates a reassuring sense of belonging and familiarity, likely to make the person living with dementia feel more content. This goes double in a small group setting, where social engagement brings benefits of its own. Each resident’s menu of activities is regularly evaluated to ensure that the programming meets their needs as the disease progresses.
Sam Jarvis – Life Engagement Specialist, Brookside
