Engaged, Enjoyable Living

The importance of maintaining healthy engagement activity levels for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia has been well-known for many years. In the early stages of the disease, mentally stimulating engagement may help to slow the progression of memory loss. However, as a person’s cognitive impairment becomes more pronounced, those activities that once provided a welcome distraction may begin to increase stress and frustration. A game of bridge, for example, will be too complex for a person in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s to follow or process.

At ComfortCare Homes, we plan enriching and relevant engagement programs throughout each day, from simple movement that promotes physical health, to calming chats around the kitchen table while baking cookies. Simple programs like gardening or even light straightening up after dinner can provide purpose and a sense of pride, and develop confidence that helps to reduce stress, sometimes resulting in less need for medications.

Our engagement focus is on creating moments of joy with our residents. Whether a resident finishes an activity as it was intended, or finds a new path to a different outcome, if they enjoyed the process, we consider the effort a success.