If someone you love is living with dementia, you’ve likely experienced the challenges of helping them stay calm, engaged, and happy. Maybe you’ve heard how sensory activities can make a difference, but what does that actually look like in a memory care community? Let’s explore how these activities can go beyond simple recreation to create moments of connection, comfort, and joy.
What Are Sensory Activities, and Why Do They Matter?
Imagine the sound of a favorite song, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, or the feel of soil slipping through your fingers while gardening. For someone with dementia, these sensory encounters are not only pleasant to experience, they can also spark long-forgotten memories, ease anxiety, and even improve mood.
Sensory activities are designed to engage one or more of the five senses—sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. In a memory care setting, they’re tailored to meet each resident’s needs and abilities, providing stimulation and comfort in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
For many families, knowing that their loved one will have meaningful ways to stay engaged is a big part of choosing a memory care community. Memory care communities take this responsibility seriously, offering a variety of sensory activities that enrich everyday life.
What Types of Sensory Activities Can You Expect?
Here’s a closer look at some of the sensory activities your loved one might enjoy in a memory care community:
The Power of Music
Music can unlock memories and bring forth feelings peace like almost nothing else. Whether it’s a sing-along to classics from their youth, a gentle piano performance, or simply listening to favorite songs, music has a unique way of connecting with people at every stage of dementia. In addition, some communities offer opportunities for residents to play instruments, combining auditory and tactile stimulation.
Artistic Expression
By utilizing various forms of art, residents can easily connect with their emotions and creativity. Painting, sculpting, or even coloring can help individuals express themselves, especially when words may be difficult. For those with advanced memory loss, simpler activities like finger painting or creating collages ensure everyone can participate and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Getting Hands-On with Gardening
While seemingly simple, gardening is a sensory-rich experience that engages the senses of sight, touch, and smell. Planting flowers, arranging greenery, or even watering plants can bring about a feeling of calm and purpose. For many seniors, gardening can also bring back happy memories of time spent outdoors or tending their own gardens.
The Comfort of Aromatherapy
It’s a well-known fact that certain scents, such as lavender or citrus, can have a powerful effect on one’s mood and memory. Aromatherapy sessions in memory care usually include diffusing calming essential oils, creating scented sachets, or using certain herbs in cooking activities. These personalized experiences can help residents either relax or energize, depending on the scent.
Baking and Cooking
Food-related activities are not only helpful, but they’re always a favorite! The smell of fresh-baked cookies or the taste of a homemade treat can evoke cherished memories of family meals and traditions. Residents might help with simple tasks like mixing ingredients or decorating baked goods, combining sensory engagement with a sense of accomplishment.
Sharing Memories
Storytelling and reminiscence therapy are all about encouraging feelings of connection. As a part of this therapy, residents might look through old photos, handle treasured objects, or share stories prompted by familiar songs or scents. These sessions not only stimulate memory recall but also foster a sense of belonging and community.
Curious about more therapeutic activities offered in Glenview? Check out 10 Different Types of Therapeutic Activities Found at a Glenview, IL Memory Care Community.
How These Activities Help Residents Thrive
What’s great about sensory activities, is that the long-term benefits are just as substantial as the short-term. Here are some of the real long-term benefits that can improve a senior’s overall quality of life:
Reducing Anxiety and Agitation
Gentle activities like aromatherapy or music therapy can help residents feel more calm and grounded as each day passes.
Boosting Mood
Fun and engaging activities like gardening or cooking will bring joy and a sense of purpose to each day—many older adults look forward to these activities!
Encouraging Cognitive Engagement
Storytelling and art projects are incredibly helpful with stimulating memory and problem-solving skills, while keeping the brain active.
Fostering Connection
Shared activities create ample opportunities for residents to bond with each other, caregivers, and visiting family members.
Providing Routine and Structure
Regularly scheduled activities give residents a sense of predictability, which can be very comforting in the face of memory loss.
If you’re wondering when to make the move to memory care, our guide to Evaluating the Right Time to Move into a Memory Care Community on the North Shore can help!
What Makes Memory Care Unique?
Every person living with dementia has their own story, their own preferences, and their own needs. That’s why it’s important for memory care communities to focus on tailoring activities to each resident. Staff members are specially trained to take their time getting to know your loved one—what they enjoy, what brings them comfort, and how to engage with them in meaningful ways.
These professionals are trained to understand dementia thoroughly, ensuring that every session is safe, enjoyable, and beneficial for seniors. From group activities to one-on-one moments, the overall goal is always to make residents feel supported and valued.
Making the transition into memory care can be a big change, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For tips on how to navigate this journey, visit Tips for Transitioning Smoothly Into a Glenview Memory Care Community.
Arbor Terrace Glenview: Where Care Meets Connection
At Arbor Terrace Glenview, we know that sensory activities are so much more than just a way to pass the time. They’re a way for your loved one to connect with cherished memories, discover moments of joy, and feel a sense of belonging every single day. You can feel secure that our team is passionate about creating personalized experiences that honor your loved one’s unique story and abilities.
If you’re ready to explore memory care that goes beyond the basics, we invite you to schedule a tour and visit Arbor Terrace Glenview! If you’d like to learn more about our approach and how we help residents live well with dementia, download our free guide, Living Well with Dementia.
Choosing memory care is a big decision, but with Arbor Terrace, you can feel confident that your loved one will be surrounded by compassionate care and meaningful engagement every step of the way.
