When it comes to supporting MorningStar’s Reflections (Memory Care) residents we focus on individual routines and preferences, including daily opportunities to engage in beloved pastimes.

Benefits of Physical Activities in Memory Care Facilities

The health benefits of exercise for residents dealing with memory are significant. They include maintaining and improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance as well as helping:

• Improve mood and memory
• Promote better sleep
• Reduce constipation
• Keep motor skills strong
• Improve balance and strength to reduce falls
• Slow the progression of mental decline

Beyond this, participating in activities offer an uplifting sense of purpose and the simple joy of moving the body.

At MorningStar we get creative with movement, as some seniors may not be interested in traditional exercise but have a great interest in recreation. It is not uncommon to see residents playing putt putt golf in the hallway, bowling, seated volleyball or basketball, or water aerobics and senior Zumba. We host explorations of the surrounding areas: a stroll through the butterfly pavilion, local museum or botanic gardens.

Purposeful activities in memory care can help manage behavioral expressions which affect quality of life and social interactions. The best of these can calm anxiety, ease agitation, wandering and aggressive behavior, and promote better communications.

Fifteen minutes of natural sunlight daily can have great benefits to overall bone density, thanks to increased Vitamin D. Moreover, it can improve sleep quality and regulate the circadian rhythm aiding in more restful nights.

Although MorningStar communities offer unrestricted access to courtyards, safety is a priority. Our technology alerts care managers when a resident has entered the outdoor space. The team is trained to provide sun protection and hydration as well as safety checks.

Lifeskills are readily available outdoors: putter in a raised box garden, fill bird feeders and admire the winged visitors. Our Executive Chefs enjoy the courtyards just as much while grilling summertime favorites for residents.

Physical Activities for Seniors in Memory Care Communities

Here are a few options for seniors in early or middle stages of dementia to physically enjoy:

• Walking – All-around best exercise is a simple stroll, indoors or out. Scavenger hunts, art walks, dancing clubs. All MorningStar memory care courtyards have paved walking paths and ample seating for a periodic rest.
• Dancing – Music is one of the greatest ways to enliven, restore memories, dance with ease regardless of gait. Even speech is often improved with the use of music therapy, referred to as the “quickening art” to jumpstart the brain. Our IN2L interactive software has a variety of musical genres to choose from, which we augment with favorites called out on our residents’ To Know Me is to Love Me profiles. There is never a shortage of impromptu dancing during live performances throughout the community. Whole home programming is highly encouraged.
• Seated Exercises – Although these kinds of exercises are often conducted in a class, residents can learn to do for themselves after some instruction. Designed to build or maintain balance and strength, seated exercises are less strenuous than standing exercises but as effective. All can participate despite physical restrictions. Seated exercise is made more engaging by tying it to a theme like going for a swim or creating movements along with the telling of a short story. A series of exercises may include marching in place, raising arms toward the ceiling, bending the legs, and making circles with the arms.

Through MorningStar's partnership with EmpowerMe Wellness, we are committed to helping our residents maintain their highest level of independence for as long as possible. EmpowerMe Wellness is the preeminent leader in providing therapy services in senior living.

Residents have on-site access to:

• On-on-one, goal-based Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy services
• Wellness programs uniquely designed to improve the lives of our residents
• Personal training

Whether our residents are working to improve their balance and strength, or to recover after surgery or illness, EmpowerMe’s team of compassionate clinicians are here to help them pursue their health and wellness goals from the comfort of the community they call home.

While exercise is important for seniors with dementia, it’s important to make sure whatever activities they engage in are safe. With that in mind, you will want to talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is appropriate relative to overall health and medical conditions.

Finding out what kind of physical activities are available in memory care facilities can help you choose a community that will strike a balance in overall well-being by incorporating personal preference into program offerings.

MorningStar Senior Living — Memory Care Community

If your loved one lives far from family and friends, it could be time to move into a memory care community nearer to their adult children where they’ll have the companionship of fellow seniors and a compassionate service team. At MorningStar Senior Living, a 24/7 team is dedicated to offer care and hospitality services that meet each resident’s social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.