Community Support
Communities can play a role in supporting residents living with Alzheimer’s and their families through several actions. These can include:
- Support Lifestyle Changes: There is some evidence to suggest that individuals can lower their risk of cognitive decline through lifestyle changes. Provide ample opportunities for residents to engage in physical activity, adopt a healthy diet that is low in fat, and maintain good heart health.
- Provide Mental Challenges: Provide chances for residents to learn a new skill or challenge their minds. Painting, writing, knitting and board games are some ways communities can help residents remain mentally active.
- Schedule Social Activities: Schedule group activities on a daily basis that will allow residents to engage and improve their quality of life. These can be as simple as a walking, singing, or gardening group.
- Engage in Discussions: Promote staff engagement in conversations with residents who have Alzheimer’s. Stress the importance of continuing to talk with those suffering from the disease even when their participation in the discussions become more limited over time.
- Welcome Family Support: Encourage family engagement in the lives of residents with Alzheimer’s by designing activities that family members can take part in alongside residents like art activities or taking walks together.
- Offer Transportation: Offer transportation services to get residents to and from doctor’s appointments, on shopping trips or to social activities.
Staff Tip: Build staff awareness of non-pharmacological techniques and encourage the utilization of alternative strategies and technologies appropriate for the individual.
Did You Know?
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have found a connection between a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and an individual’s lifelong involvement in mentally and socially stimulating activities and regular social interactions.
