Older adults who have been diagnosed with dementia need all the love and care that they can get to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that comes about due to old age. In the face of social isolation and loneliness, the symptoms of dementia tend to deteriorate leading to a suppression of the immune system.
Additionally, aging folks with the condition tend to detach from their loved ones along with avoiding social situations. Their socialization problem is big because of their limited ability to remember names or follow through with conversations. As a consequence, this can quickly culminate into stress and depression which is not healthy at an advanced age.
Moving your loved one to a memory care unit in East Highland Park, VA is one practical way to help your loved one deal with loneliness. The secret is to make residents with dementia feel supported and connected Let us delve into different methods memory care centers assist older adults to combat loneliness and social isolation.
Providing Quality Mental Health and Support Services
The effect of dementia on the mental health of older adults can be very acute. Thus, aging folks need adequate help and a solid support system to help them cope with a sudden but significant change in their daily life.
An ideal memory care center should be equipped with psychologists and other seasoned mental health experts to offer personalized assistance to the elderly. The professions will provide accurate psychiatric diagnosis, depression screenings, and medication management among other things to sufficiently address the situation. With proper help, aging folks with dementia will experience a significant improvement in their emotional regulation. Their behavior and outlook will also change for the better.
Encouraging Affected Older Adults to Spend More Time in Nature
There are numerous therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature. The fresh air, stunning natural beauty, and uncommon tranquility available in the outdoors can contribute to mood enhancement. Nature also reduced depression besides improving short-term memory. Spending about 15 to 30 minutes in natural surroundings will have a magical impact on elders with dementia. Memory care communities organize regular trips to parks and other nature-rich areas to help residents in this regard.
Facilitating Coordinated Calls or Visits from Friends and Family
Elders with dementia take a lot of comfort in the feeling that they are connected to their loved ones and loved ones as well. That is why a proper memory care unit will facilitate regular calls and visits from friends and family members.
As much as older adults with the condition might not recall every family member, their presence and availability can bring a lot of joy and enrichment to their life. Moreover, the aging family members should be encouraged to meet and interact with their loved ones to help curb the constant feeling of isolation. The meetings do not have to be lengthy. A short chat can go a long way in elevating their mood. If friends or family members cannot be present physically, they can interact through video calls, phone calls, or handwritten messages.
