THE ALONG THE JOURNEY PROGRAM WAS CREATED BY PRIORITY LIFE CARE WITH RESIDENTS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND CAREGIVERS IN MIND.The services provided are adjusted to fit each individuals abilities and specific needs. The program has been designed to benefit all stages of memory loss while remaining flexible enough to be adapted daily.The overarching goal is to ensure that each resident, as well as their families, feel connected, respected, and comfortable during periods of difficult transition. The program primarily targets those suffering from memory impairments, whether it be early-stage dementia or late-stage Alzheimers.WHAT IS THE ALONG THE JOURNEY PROGRAM?Along the Journey (ATJ) is a memory care program that launched in 2019 in Priority Life Cares memory care neighborhoods. Fundamentally, it prioritizes strengths over limitations. Activities are purpose-driven and not based on achievement, thus allowing those with memory loss to participate without feeling lost, confused, and agitated.This innovative program begins with a holistic assessment of the residents abilities, both cognitive and physical. Based on the assessment, a care plan is formulated and includes input from the resident and their family, as well as their physicians and caregivers.The plan includes information on the likes, dislikes, and cultural preferences of the resident. To keep the seniors as comfortable as possible, the staff makes every effort to provide a largely predictable routine.FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING WITHIN THE COMMUNITYThose suffering from diseases that affect memory may feel left behind or forgotten. At Priority Life Care, caregivers work in conjunction with the ATJ program to encourage physical motion, stimulate mental engagement, and offer opportunities for spiritual and social connection.Life stations provide a sense of familiarity for the resident through tasks such as folding clothes and operating a computer. This allows the senior to focus on a specific, low-stress task with an attainable outcome.Social engagements such as trivia games and ice cream parties are scheduled, which allow residents the opportunity to become acquainted with other residents. The program celebrates small wins as significant achievements, allowing everyone the chance to be represented.Activities are thoughtfully designed around reducing any agitation and improving the mood of the residents. Social interaction is encouraged to ward off isolation, which can further impair a residents wellness journey.SUPPORTING THOSE WITH MEMORY IMPAIRMENTSMemory loss comes in stages and Priority Life Care recognizes the importance of providing a program suitable for each stage of this difficult journey. Through the integration of senior-friendly tech, residents across a spectrum of cognitive abilities are encouraged to participate in their care by engaging daily.To ensure a successful transition into the residential community, our staff invites residents to bring familiar furnishings of home such as furniture, cherished items, and other domestic objects. This creates an inviting environment for the resident, which eases the initial discomfort of being in a new place.Residents will enjoy a structured daily plan that focuses on wellness and supporting independence, all while ensuring dignity and respect. This environment allows those with memory impairments to maintain functional abilities for as long as possible while remaining comfortable along their journey.Staff with specific dementia-centered training and experience support our residents with memory loss, including accommodations such as dietary oversight, assistance with medication, and general hygiene.

Cognitive health plays a pivotal role in maintaining independence, quality of life, and overall well-being for seniors. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to adopt strategies that promote brain health and preserve cognitive function. In this blog post, we will explore various approaches to nurturing cognitive health in seniors, including engaging in mental exercises, utilizing brain-training apps, adopting a healthy diet, and fostering social engagement. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, seniors can enhance their cognitive abilities, delay cognitive decline, and help them to lead fulfilling and independent lives.Engaging in Mental Exercises - Mental exercises are like workouts for the brain, helping to keep cognitive skills sharp and promoting neural connections. Seniors can engage in various activities that stimulate mental agility:         Solve puzzles such as crosswords, Sudoku, and word searches to enhance problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.         Play strategy games like chess or bridge to stimulate cognitive function and improve memory and concentration.         Learn a new skill or hobby, such as playing a musical instrument, painting, or dancing, to challenge the brain and promote neuroplasticity.         Read books, engage in stimulating discussions, and participate in book clubs to enhance comprehension, vocabulary, and cognitive flexibility.         Practice memorization, as in learning and reciting poetry or even memorizing lists, to help boost memory and recall abilities.Harnessing Brain-Training Apps - In the digital age, technology offers a wealth of brain-training apps specifically designed to promote cognitive health. These apps provide engaging activities that target memory, attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills. Some popular brain-training apps include:         Lumosity: Offers various brain games and exercises to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.         Elevate: Focuses on language skills, math, and analytical thinking through personalized training programs.         Peak: Provides a variety of brain games and puzzles to challenge memory, mental agility, and focus.         CogniFit: Offers scientifically validated cognitive assessments and personalized training programs for memory, attention, and other cognitive functions.Embracing a Healthy Diet - Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting cognitive health. Seniors can incorporate the following dietary strategies to promote brain health:         Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrients provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support brain function.         Include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, as they are known to benefit cognitive health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.         Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation and negatively impact cognitive function.         Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water, as dehydration can impair cognitive abilities.         Consider incorporating brain-boosting foods that are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients into the diet such as blueberries, avocados, nuts, and dark chocolate.Fostering Social Engagement - Social engagement is not only essential for emotional well-being but also plays a significant role in maintaining cognitive health:         Stay connected with friends and family through regular social interactions, such as phone calls, visits, or participating in group activities.         Join community groups, clubs, or organizations based on personal interests to foster new social connections and engage in stimulating conversations.         Volunteer for community service or charitable organizations, as doing so can provide a sense of purpose, promote social connections, and stimulate cognitive function.         Participate in group fitness classes, dance classes, or sports activities, improving physical health and providing opportunities for social engagement.  

Shell Point residents are remarkably proactive, and it is common to hear questions about memory and brain function during wellness checkups. While some forgetfulness is a normal part of the aging process, there are many ways to help ones brain stay healthy and active. Here are five simple steps that anyone can take to boost their overall brain power.Get moving! Research links physical activity and the brains ability to process information quickly. Aerobic exercise is particularly effective at stimulating the bodys systems. Morning stretching, aquatic exercise, and evening walks can all get the gears going faster than a sedentary lifestyle would.Hit the links. Take a swing at improving brain function by playing a round of golf. Studies have found that this game can boost brain power, causing positive structural changes tied to sensorimotor control. Listen to music. Numerous studies support the effect that music can have the brain. Not only does it relax the listener, but catchy tunes can improve verbal fluency and spatial processing.Get a good nights sleep. One of the easiest ways to boost brain function is by getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Establish a sleep routine and stick to it; slip in a power nap if you didnt catch enough ZZzzzs.Become a lifelong learner. The brains stays sharpest when it is being used, so take up an educational hobby. Whether it is learning to play an instrument, traveling to new locations, or speaking a second language, studies support lifelong learning.Shell Point residents have access to an onsite medical center staffed by five full-time physicians and three ARNPs. Plus, an array of specialty physicians, ranging from cardiology to orthopedics, see patients onsite at Shell Point. Residents, as well as individuals from outside of Shell Point, have access to The Rehabilitation Center at The Larsen Pavilion, which provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy. For more information about Shell Points comprehensive healthcare, visit http://www.shellpoint.org/healthcare.php.