Meaningful Resident Engagement- Memory Care Activity Program

It is a typical day at Briarcliffe Gardens in Johnston as residents gather for a days’ worth of activity. Various hands-on projects are set up throughout the center’s busy common room while a Tai Chi class is in session in its bright and cheerful adjoining sunroom. Structured and guided activities fill the calendar every day here.  On this day, preparations are being made for an interactive cooking class to be held in the Garden’s diner, an original “mock-up” of a retro-style diner from days gone by. Today, bruschetta is on the menu!

A group of residents have assembled at the diner where they will make (and then eat) a delicious appetizer. These cooking classes are a regular occurrence at Briarcliffe Gardens ~ there is always something to please the palate and stoke memories here at the diner.

Along with every other activity planned at the Gardens, these classes have a purpose.  They are meant to evoke strong, visceral memories for the memory-impaired residents who live here. Every sense is considered when planning these activities ~ olfactory, hearing, tactile, visual, taste, even motion. These facilitated activities are designed to tap into a memory bank that still holds deep meaning for this diverse group of seniors.

It is well known that participating in activities like these which engage the brain is good for all of us, but this is especially true for those who live with memory loss. There is an important link between mental stimulation and cognitive health as well as between physical activity and overall general health.  Some of the many benefits of such stimulation include improved sleep habits, opportunities for socialization, increased self-esteem, and decreased anxiety and depression. There is an overall feeling of well-being and an improved quality of life for those for whom life may feel unfulfilling and lonely.

The creative and dedicated staff at Briarcliffe Gardens devote themselves to creating these meaningful activities every day. They understand the connection between a healthy mind and a healthy body, and ardently plan activities that nurture both, always with the expectation of a happier quality of life for the residents who live in this close-knit community.

Under the direction and guidance of Engagement Director Jennifer Rossi and her talented team, these residents have opportunities to socialize, move, create, and immerse themselves in curated experiences that are meant just for them.

When family members are considering a possible long-term stay for a loved one who suffers from memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia, Briarcliffe Gardens offers so much more than exceptional care. It exemplifies everything that a memory-care residence should be ~and can be ~ in this modern age.

To schedule your personal tour of Briarcliffe Gardens, call 401-944-2450.  For more information, you can also visit them at www.briarclifferi.com or visit their Facebook page, Briarcliffe Gardens Assisted Living.