Chances are, you first experienced the fun and freedom of creating art at a young age. As children, art is one of the first ways we learn to express ourselves and explore the world around us. As we get older, our need for the stimulation, joy, and sense of satisfaction that comes from creative expression doesn’t fade. We can all benefit from creating, no matter our age or level of artistic ability!

In fact, visual art is frequently used in memory care communities as a way to enhance the lives of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through a practice called art therapy.

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that combines art and psychology to support individuals’ mental, emotional, and behavioral health and wellbeing. Anyone can benefit from art therapy, from young children to older adults. For individuals living with dementia, art therapy provides a meaningful creative outlet and avenue for expression when other forms of communication become more challenging. Art therapists and trained care professionals can facilitate art therapy programs in memory care communities to enrich the lives of residents and help them enjoy a greater sense of purpose, accomplishment, and self-confidence.

What are the benefits of art therapy?

Here’s a look at some of the many advantages of art therapy for individuals in memory care communities.

Art therapy stimulates the brain

Art has always been a way to express creativity and emotions through various mediums, from painting and drawing to sculpting with clay. For individuals with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, participating in art therapy can also be a powerful way to boost cognitive function in different areas of the brain.

While there’s currently no cure for dementia, the cognitive benefits of art therapy are apparent. Like other forms of creative interventions like music therapy, art therapy has the remarkable ability to bring memories and stories to the surface. While completing an art project, participants will often experience moments of clarity, contentment, and happiness as they reminisce on their lives.

Art therapy relieves stress

It’s an unfortunate fact that individuals with dementia often experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns as their disease progresses. Facing these negative emotions can be even more frustrating for individuals who may find it difficult to communicate their thoughts and feelings verbally.

Through art therapy, participants can express themselves without saying a word. Engaging with creative activities is also known to provide mood-boosting benefits by alleviating stress and leading to greater resilience and fulfillment.

Art therapy helps promote mobility and dexterity

Whether it’s holding a paintbrush or shaping clay, creating art involves some degree of movement and fine motor skills. By practicing art regularly, older adults can improve their overall coordination and retain muscle function. In art therapy programs, the projects are always catered to the participant’s abilities and interests, and assistance is offered if needed.

Art therapy encourages connection

In memory care, art therapy involves more than creating art; it also provides a meaningful source of social interaction and connection. The trained facilitators leading art therapy programs will initiate conversations during art projects by asking questions and providing encouragement.

Creating art as a group provides a way for individuals to build bonds with caregivers and other participants, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness that can be all too common among those living with dementia. Participating in art therapy may even help individuals with dementia recall memories that strengthen their connections with family members.

Opening Minds Through Art at Bethany Village

At Bethany Village, we’re proud to offer Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) for residents in our newly renovated Assisted Living Memory Care community, Pavilion. OMA is a form of cognitive stimulation therapy that builds relationships and sparks memories through one-on-one art projects catered to the interests, preferences, and memory care needs of the resident. The OMA program, combined with our music and pet therapies, all work together to promote the social engagement, dignity, and self-expression of our residents so they can make the most of each day.

Would you like to learn more about Pavilion Assisted Living Memory Care and life at Bethany Village? Please contact us today to request more information. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have!

There’s no denying that music is powerful. Hearing just a few notes of a familiar song can transport us back in time, stir up emotions, and evoke memories from the past. This is why music therapy is so effective for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

In memory care settings, music therapy involves a variety of musical activities such as listening to music, making music, and moving to music. Participating in a music therapy program not only helps to address cognitive issues but it can also improve an individual’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Here’s a closer look at some of the remarkable benefits of music therapy in memory care:

Improve communication

Music therapy provides a meaningful way for those in memory care to connect with others and express themselves, even if their speech and language skills are declining. In addition to listening to music, individuals are encouraged to sing, hum, and clap along to well-known tunes. Individuals who were nonverbal may even begin to communicate again and express their emotions when music is playing.

Reduce stress and anxiety

Along with memory changes, people with dementia or other memory issues often experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and agitation, sometimes leading to aggressive behaviors. Music has the amazing ability to help ease these feelings and provide mood-boosting benefits. Simply listening to calming music can lower the body’s levels of cortisol, the hormone that contributes to feelings of stress and anxiety.

In memory care, music therapists will select songs with specific instruments, rhythm, and lyrics to elicit positive emotions and make participants feel comfortable and relaxed. Music can be particularly beneficial in addressing sundowning, which occurs when those with dementia or other memory issues become confused, disoriented, and agitated in the evening hours. Playing soft, slow songs such as lullabies can help individuals wind down for the night and prepare for bedtime.

Promote movement

Another big benefit of music is that it inspires movement. Physical activity is essential at any age to keep the mind and body active, and individuals living with memory conditions can significantly benefit from moving along to music. During music therapy, participants enjoy easy movement by playing simple musical instruments like maracas, drums, or tambourines. Additionally, movements such as clapping, tapping feet, and dancing are encouraged in music therapy.

Explore the Benefits of Music Therapy at Bethany Village

Evoking memories, improving communication, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting movement are just a few of the many important reasons music therapy is so important for older adults in memory care communities.

At Bethany Village, we are proud to have a full-time certified music therapist on staff who works extensively with residents at Pavilion, our newest Assisted Living Memory Care Community. This innovative music therapy program provides powerful benefits to residents living with Alzheimer’s or other memory-related conditions.

For more information about life at Bethany Village and our music therapy program, please contact us.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, you might be wondering what type of gift to buy for your father or grandfather. It’s not always easy to shop for gifts for older loved ones—especially if they insist they don’t need anything! Still, a Father’s Day gift is a thoughtful gesture that can make your loved one feel special and appreciated. To give you some ideas, we’ve rounded up five meaningful, senior-friendly gifts to consider this Father’s Day:

#1: Books or audiobooks

Pick up a book or two by one of Dad’s favorite authors or on his favorite subjects. If your budget allows, consider an e-reader or tablet with some of his favorite reads pre-downloaded. E-books are great for seniors because the font size and lighting can be adjusted for their reading comfort. If your dad or grandfather prefers listening to books, a monthly subscription to an audiobook service makes a perfect gift!

#2: Activities, games, or puzzles

If Dad lives in a retirement community, playing cards and board games or putting together puzzles can be a fun opportunity to socialize with other residents. Surprise him with a unique game-themed gift, like a personalized deck of cards or a monthly jigsaw puzzle subscription.

#3: History-themed gifts

Is Dad a history buff? If so, he’s sure to appreciate an illustrated history book, movie, or documentary highlighting a specific period. Other history-themed gift ideas include vintage maps, collectibles, or even a personalized family tree to display.

#4: Container gardening kit

Container gardening is a great year-round hobby for all ages, especially seniors who want a low-maintenance way to grow flowers, vegetables, or herbs in a smaller space. Not only is gardening fun, but it’s also known to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve mood. A container garden starter kit that includes a pot, soil, and seeds makes a thoughtful gift for Father’s Day!

#5: Photo gifts

Show Dad how much you care with a personalized photo gift featuring some of his favorite family moments. From printed photo books to custom coffee mugs, framed collages, and even digital photo frames, there are many unique keepsakes you can create using online services. You could also take the do-it-yourself route and put together a scrapbook that includes photos, postcards, or even grandkids’ artwork.

Celebrate Dad!

Finally, remember that the gift Dad will appreciate most is the gift of your presence! If possible, schedule a day to visit or arrange a phone or video call and enjoy some quality time together.

Fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers and father-like figures are all special at Bethany Village! We celebrate and appreciate them this Father’s Day and every day. To learn more about life at Bethany Village, please request more information today. We look forward to hearing from you!

It’s only natural to delay making life-changing decisions, especially as we get older and become comfortable with our routines and way of life. That’s why, in many cases, it’s only when a health crisis or other emergency occurs that older adults and their families realize it’s time to make a change. By waiting until it’s necessary to choose a retirement community, many families find themselves in a very stressful situation where they have to make rushed decisions.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Today’s continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) encourage older adults to be proactive about the senior living search and consider moving to a community early—when they are still active, independent, and in good health.

If you like the idea of enjoying your retirement years to the fullest in a maintenance-free retirement community setting, here’s why you may want to make the move sooner rather than later:

#1: Expand your social circle

One of the best aspects of retirement is the freedom to spend your days how you choose, enjoying the hobbies and activities you love. However, many retirees soon find that they miss the daily interactions of their workplaces, where socialization was easy because they were always surrounded by peers. It’s common for people’s social circles to shrink as their routines change in retirement, which can lead to loneliness and isolation over time.

The opportunity to meet new people and form friendships is a compelling reason for older adults to move to senior living earlier in their retirement. Because every day offers opportunities to socialize with like-minded peers and neighbors, many residents find a greater sense of purpose and belonging than when they were living alone at home.

#2: Say goodbye to household chores and maintenance

Another major reason to move into a retirement community early is to embrace a simpler, easier lifestyle. Imagine how nice it would be to never mow the lawn, rake leaves, shovel snow, or fix a leaky faucet again! Other additional conveniences such as light housekeeping and laundry services and on-campus dining may also appeal to independent older adults who desire a more maintenance-free retirement.

#3: Take full advantage of activities and amenities

Modern continuing-care retirement communities, like Bethany Village, have a wide range of activities and amenities designed to enhance life for residents. From book and card clubs to art classes, social parties and happy hours, and more, retirement living offers a variety of experiences to suit residents’ interests. The sooner you make the move to senior living, the sooner you can get settled in and take full advantage of everything the community has to offer in your golden years.

#4: Promote healthy aging with wellness and fitness programs

When it comes to aging gracefully, lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, and mental wellness can be just as important as genetic factors. This is why continuing care retirement communities like Bethany Village place a priority on helping residents stay healthy in mind, body, and soul so they can age well into the future. With access to on-campus fitness centers and exercise programs, nutritious dining options, and even spiritual support services, you’ll be able to shape a lifestyle that maximizes your health and helps you feel your best as you grow older.

#5: Ensure a smoother transition

Moving can be difficult at any stage of life. But when older adults wait until a health event necessitates the move from their home to a retirement community, it can make the transition even more challenging. By choosing a continuing care retirement community earlier in retirement, when you’re still active and healthy, you can take your time and ease into the process of moving.

Not only will your transition be smoother, but you’ll also give yourself (and your family) peace of mind that your health needs will be cared for no matter what the future holds. Continuing care retirement communities offer independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care all on one campus. This enables residents to move to the next level of care as their needs change over time without leaving the comfort and familiarity of the community they call home.

It’s not too early to plan for your ideal retirement!

If the prospect of a more maintenance-free retirement lifestyle appeals to you, why wait to enjoy all the benefits and amenities a continuing care retirement community has to offer? Even if you’re not quite ready to move, getting a head start on the retirement community search can help you compare your options and make the decision that’s best for you and your family.

Are you interested in learning more about life at Bethany Village? Please contact us today. We would be delighted to speak with you and provide additional information.

We all forget things from time to time, whether it’s missing an appointment or misplacing our keys. As we get older, we might experience mild moments of forgetfulness a little more often. These memory lapses can be frustrating, and they may even make you wonder if you should be worried about a serious cognitive condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Most of the time, occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of the aging process, not a cause for concern. Still, it’s important to understand the distinction between normal memory lapses and the warning signs of dementia, so you know when to get help for yourself or a loved one.

Here are some helpful tips on how to tell the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and memory conditions like dementia.

Signs of normal age-related memory changes:

• Misplacing items from time to time, like car keys or glasses.
• “Blanking” on the names of acquaintances or mistakenly mixing up the names of family members.
• Taking longer to learn new information or skills.
• Occasionally walking into a room and forgetting why you entered in the first place.
• Losing focus or becoming easily distracted in conversations.
• Sometimes having trouble finding the right word to use, even if it’s on the tip of your tongue.

These signs tend to come with age and are considered normal among older adults. They are generally not considered to be warning signs of dementia.

Symptoms that may indicate dementia:

The main difference between age-related forgetfulness and dementia is that the latter impacts one’s daily life activities, hobbies, and relationships. Some common signs may include:

• Frequent confusion or disorientation about the time or familiar people and places.
• Not being able to follow instructions or directions.
• Having trouble holding conversations by forgetting or misusing words, repeating phrases and stories, or asking the same questions over and over.
• Major changes in personality, such as aggression, impulsiveness, and poor judgment.
• Difficulty with simple, everyday tasks such as paying bills, taking medication, dressing appropriately, or grooming.

When to get help for memory concerns

When memory lapses become frequent, more noticeable, or impact daily life, consider consulting a doctor. Early diagnosis can help treat memory conditions and slow the rate of cognitive decline.

For older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or another form of dementia who need more care than can be provided at home, moving to an Assisted Living Memory Care community can be a good solution. These communities offer 24/7 memory care and support in a soothing, family-like environment to empower older adults and enhance overall their quality of life. Assisted Living Memory Care also provides peace of mind to families because they know their loved ones will be safe and well cared for at all times.

If you’re wondering if it’s the right time for senior living, either for yourself or an older loved one, find out which options are the best fit with this quick 4-5 minute survey. You’ll receive a personalized Senior Living Fit Report you can use to start conversations and plan for the future.

Learn more about Assisted Living Memory Care

When you’re ready for more information about Assisted Living Memory Care at Bethany Village, please contact us today. We look forward to meeting you and your family and answering your questions.

There’s a widespread belief that seniors are reluctant to try new forms of technology. This isn’t necessarily true! Many older adults are willing to adopt new tech gadgets, especially if they offer them value and are designed with their needs in mind.

As the pandemic continues to shift many aspects of life online, older adults are becoming even more tech-savvy. According to an AARP tech survey, adults over 50 are adopting new technologies such as smartphones, wearable devices, and smart home technology at about the same pace as 18-49-year-olds. This has led to a greater demand for “silver tech,” or technology made specifically for seniors.

Today, let’s take a look at some of the ways emerging technology can help older adults live more active, independent, and healthier lives:

Connecting with friends and family

One of the top reasons seniors have embraced technology is to keep in touch with friends and family, no matter where they live. Especially during the pandemic, video calling is an important part of daily life for all of us!

For older adults who are less familiar with using smartphones, tablets, and computers, voice-controlled smart home assistants provide an easy and accessible way to communicate with long-distant loved ones. These devices can also be used for telehealth appointments at times when an in-person doctor visit isn’t feasible. Some devices even offer the ability for loved ones to check on senior loved ones from afar using “drop-in” video calling.

Staying entertained

Today’s handheld digital devices offer endless entertainment to help us beat boredom. From games and puzzles to music, movies, and ebooks—there’s something for everyone! For entertainment purposes, tablets are among the most popular devices because they’re lightweight and highly portable. Some tablets even have senior-friendly features to make them easier to use, such as large text and icons, sound adjustability, magnification tools, and bigger buttons.

Monitoring health and fitness activity

These days, there are many fun, easy-to-use gadgets available to help people of all ages stay physically active. For example, wearable devices like smartwatches can help you set fitness goals and keep track of your heart rate, daily steps, and overall fitness level. There are also a variety of apps that offer exercise classes on-demand, making fitness fun and motivating. One popular virtual fitness activity at Bethany Village is Wii bowling. Our residents even competed in friendly tournaments with retirement communities across the country!

Maintaining independence, safety, and security

Technology can also help enhance safety and security, which is especially important for older adults living alone. Integrating home security monitoring systems such as doorbell cameras and movement sensors provide a greater sense of security for seniors, as well as reassurance for their families. In addition, personal alert devices are more accurate and discrete than ever before. In the event of a fall or emergency, older adults can call for help with the press of a button on a small pendant or wristband. Some devices can even automatically call for assistance if a fall is detected.

If you’re concerned about an older loved one living alone, a retirement community can provide the ultimate peace of mind. Keeping residents safe and secure is always the top priority at Bethany Village. We utilize advanced technologies, including emergency call and response systems and 24/7 campus security monitoring to ensure our residents stay safe and enjoy an independent lifestyle.

As you can see, the benefits of technology for seniors are far-reaching! Best of all, new devices and gadgets are coming out all the time to help people live safer, healthier, and more independent lives. It’s well worth exploring some of these ideas to see what works for your family!

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, there are many difficult decisions to make, including when to consider residential memory care. Because no two people experience dementia in exactly the same way, it’s hard to predict how quickly an individual’s symptoms will progress over time. In the early stages of dementia, a person might be able to live independently or with family caregivers. But as the disease progresses, it will inevitably reach a point when the person requires more care than can be provided at home.

When this time comes for your family, moving to assisted living memory care can be the best way to improve your loved one’s safety, comfort, and quality of life. These special communities were designed specifically for older adults with dementia and provide memory care and support in a secure, welcoming environment.

So, how do you know when your loved one needs memory care? While every situation is different, here are some of the signs you should be looking for:

Behavioral changes

Many people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia experience unpredictable behavioral changes as the disease progresses, such as anxiety, anger, aggression, depression, delusions, and hallucinations. Pay attention to these changes; they may indicate your loved one needs specialized support from caregivers trained in dementia care.

Safety concerns

In the middle stages of dementia, confusion, disorientation, and wandering may become more prominent. These symptoms may pose safety risks, especially if the person with dementia is still driving. If you’re constantly worried about your loved one accidentally getting into harm’s way, it’s time to consider memory care. You will have peace of mind knowing your loved one is living in a safe, secure environment with access to help 24/7 if an emergency occurs.

A noticeable decline in personal care and overall health

Is your loved one looking unusually thin or frail? Are they keeping up with their personal hygiene, including bathing, grooming, and dressing appropriately? Do they remember to take their medication, and in the right doses? If you notice a significant change in your loved one’s appearance, it could be a sign they are unable to care for themselves as they once did. In assisted living memory care, older adults receive help with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and medication management. Additionally, memory care residents enjoy chef-prepared meals each day, so there’s no need for grocery shopping or cooking.

Social isolation

Alzheimer’s and other dementias often cause older adults to lose interest in hobbies and withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed. This can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and depression. If you notice your loved one becoming more and more distant, consider the benefits of moving to an assisted living memory care community that provides engaging individual and group activities specifically for people with dementia.

Caregiver stress and burnout

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is never easy, and it will only get more demanding as the disease progresses. All too often, caregivers are so busy providing care that they neglect their own physical and mental health needs. Over time, this can lead to stress, guilt, and even resentment toward the person receiving care.

When caregiving becomes so overwhelming that it’s affecting your quality of life, it’s time for memory care. Getting professional help and support can take the stress out of caregiving and improve your relationship with your loved one. Instead of focusing all your attention on caregiving duties and worrying about the future, you will be able to spend more quality time together enjoying the present.

Start the memory care search early

If your loved one has an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, it’s not too early to start learning about memory care options for the future. It’s better to be proactive and start looking early—before your loved one needs it. You’ll have more time to research assisted living memory care communities and ensure a smoother transition when the time comes.

During the cold winter months, it’s common to experience a lack of energy and motivation. Part of this problem can be the foods we tend to eat in the winter, such as carb-heavy “comfort meals” and sugary holiday treats. While all food gives us fuel, some provide more energy and mood-boosting benefits than others.

If you’re tired of feeling the winter “blahs,” try some of these delicious and good-for-you foods to help you stay energized all winter long.

Steel-cut oats

Cold weather can make us crave warm, comforting foods like pasta and baked goods. However, too many refined carbohydrates can lead to a blood sugar spike and crash. Instead, choose slow-release, complex carbs such as steel-cut oatmeal. Not only is oatmeal a great way to warm up on chilly winter mornings, but it’s also a good source of fiber and zinc. For enhanced flavor, add cinnamon, fresh fruit, or nut butter to your oats.

Root vegetables

Winter is the peak season of freshness for nutrient-rich root vegetables like yams, beets, carrots, and potatoes. These veggies are filled with vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron, helping to boost your immune system and fight winter illnesses.

Green tea

Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee when you need a quick energy boost, drink green tea as a healthier alternative. Green tea has about half the amount of caffeine as coffee, plus it contains properties that help prevent illness. Rather than sugar, sweeten your tea with high-quality honey, which contains important antioxidants.

Salmon

Salmon is packed with lean protein and B vitamins to will help you maintain energy throughout your day. It also has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve brain function, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Spinach and kale

Dark, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are chock full of energizing nutrients including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, C, E, and K. These leafy greens can be served warm or cold — try tossing them into a smoothie or sauteing them and adding to an omelet.

More healthy eating reminders:

Don’t skip meals. Your body needs nourishment throughout your waking hours. When you skip meals, your blood sugar may drop. Low blood sugar can make you feel sluggish and may cause you to overindulge when you do eat again. To avoid this problem, aim to eat three balanced meals a day with small snacks during the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Avoid sugary drinks and snacks. Sugar provides a quick energy boost, but the resulting crash may leave you even more tired. If you have a sweet tooth, eat a more satisfying snack like nuts, dark chocolate, or yogurt. These foods will provide a slower, steadier stream of energy that keeps you fueled throughout the day.

Enjoy your meals. Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But sometimes, older adults experience a loss of taste or smell that makes eating less enjoyable than it once was. Adding more flavor to meals with herbs, spices, and unique ingredients may help with this common senior health concern.

Likewise, making mealtime a more engaging social experience can help to improve older adults’ appetites. In a retirement community like Bethany Village, residents have the option to enjoy their meals together in a vibrant dining setting. Sharing meals and stories around the table is how many new friendships blossom!