Behind every memory care resident is a lifetime of experiences, personal interests and treasured memories. They are individuals that also represent a spectrum of cognitive differences. In senior living communities managed by The Goodman Group, memory care is tailored to each individual through Pearls of Life®.

“We are so good at thinking out of the box,” says Tina V., regional life enrichment director with The Goodman Group. She notes that “medications are not the first choice to address anxiety, so what can residents benefit from as holistically as possible?” By integrating forward-thinking approaches to well-being, our managed memory care communities can empower residents to live as fully and as meaningfully engaged, as possible.

Technology today is helping seniors stay connected while boosting both cognition and emotional well-being. Many of these innovations have been specifically developed or adapted to create deeper, more meaningful experiences in memory care. 

Haptics Technology Engages Multiple Senses

Haptics “refers to the sense of touch related to the perception and manipulation of objects in both natural and synthetic environments.” Haptics devices can also incorporate visual, auditory or other sensory data.

For example, at Villa at Terracina Grand, a memory care community part of the Terracina Senior Living campus and managed by The Goodman Group, in Naples, FL, residents use an interactive gaming system called Tovertafel. This is a multi-sensory haptics device designed specifically to help improve physical ability, movement, mental and emotional engagement for individuals with cognitive challenges, like dementia.

“It is very engaging for residents because it stimulates their senses,” explains Tina. “I’ve seen residents that don’t usually participate in anything who love this!” Residents can put their hands on the screen to shift things around. Embedded lights and colors make the experience very soothing.

While games usually focus around winning or being good at them, here there are no expectations of that. Residents do it because they enjoy it. Playing sparks movement and creativity, and repetition helps recall muscle memory.

The Tovertafel offers flexible play options. Residents can use it independently with help from a team member to turn it on, or join scheduled group activities. The system adapts to each person's ability level, from beginners to those ready for more advanced games. During scheduled sessions, residents can play solo, in pairs or as part of a larger group.

Tina says the results have been so incredible, The Goodman Group plans to expand the use of Tovertafel to more memory care communities in the coming year.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) can help improve quality of life and overall well-being for those with dementia, according to a National Library of Medicine study. VR combines AI-powered computer simulations of real objects or locations, imaginary 3D scenes and real-time movements. Viewers feel as if they are physically present and immersed in the action.

Researchers note that VR is being used to “improve mobility, prevent falls and train cognitive abilities in those with dementia and those who may develop dementia.” Using these devices can help boost confidence, gain a sense of control and stimulate memories.

At communities managed by The Goodman Group, both assisted living and memory care residents have access to VR experiences. Tina reports that “one of the residents’ favorites is being surrounded by a group of puppies.” They can feel the pups gathering around, nestling up to their legs or reaching out with their hand to touch a little nose.

With VR, residents can explore other countries or use Google Earth to revisit places from their past. Seeing familiar landmarks often sparks cherished memories. Team members also schedule specific travelogs or open VR time when residents can choose their own experiences. 

Choice is Key in Memory Care

The Goodman Group managed memory care communities offer choices for residents whenever possible encouraging residents to make their own decisions helps maintain a sense of independence. For VR viewing, team members will offer options like: Do you want to go to Paris today? Would you like to visit wine country in Tuscany? If those don’t appeal, they will offer alternatives. 

“It’s all about knowing your residents,” Tina emphasizes. Some people aren’t comfortable with things over their eyes, or they may be hesitant to use the unfamiliar VR goggles. That’s why it’s important to demonstrate how the goggles look when worn and let residents try them on to see how they feel.

Life enrichment team members also use iPads for individual activities, as the larger screens are easier for residents to see. The tablets can cast travel programs to the TV for group viewing. Of course, not all sensory experiences rely on technology. 

Low-Tech Sensory and Cognitive Stimulation

Aromatherapy

Smells such as oranges and lemons can bring back memories for some. One of the memory care communities recently planted a garden with fragrant herbs such as lavender, thyme, rosemary and lemon balm. A team member might ask a resident, “What does that remind you of?”

You might also find a team member walking around with an orange mandarin diffuser at wake-up time as the fragrance helps awaken the senses. They may also add a few drops of spearmint to a glass of warm water at meal time to stimulate the appetite. Wearable scented tabs can be clipped to an individual resident’s clothing.

When team members perform Compassionate Touch® hand massage with memory care residents–a gentle, therapeutic technique–they may add a bit of lavender to the unscented lotion for extra calming.

Music

Music therapy is another non-tech approach to memory care that is especially popular with residents. Singing, dancing and other activities help them stay actively engaged and connected with experiences and people from their past.

“Improving residents’ lives with sensory and cognitive innovations starts with appropriate training,” says Tina. However, for life enrichment teams, getting to know the residents is most important–not only what will benefit them, but what will they enjoy? 

This personalized approach enables The Goodman Group managed communities to create meaningful experiences that enhance each resident's well-being, proving that the most powerful technology in memory care may be the human connection itself.