The die-hard Bronco fans at Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, were at it again! And nobody seemed to care that their favorite team didn’t make it to the Super Bowl! This time, they were joined by students from Littleton High School for a tailgating party, lots of fun and food and, above all, to support a worthwhile cause; a drive to collect coats for Shiloh House, a local center for youth whose lives have been impacted by abuse, neglect and trauma. The lively event was covered in the local newspaper, The Villager, which reported a successful drive, with over 1,000 coats collected for Shiloh House.
Taking the time and making the effort to include individuals with dementia in local events, such as this one, helps provide them with a renewed sense of purpose; something they may not have enjoyed for years. Furthermore, research studies indicate that providing a sense of purpose for individuals with dementia is beneficial in many ways. It provides them with a greater sense of inclusiveness and belonging, even when the interaction is more passive than active. It also provides a sense of normal structure and order to their lives. Finally, it helps them to better engage with those around them. And when children and teens are involved, the benefits are enhanced.
At Anthem Memory Care communities, we are always looking for opportunities to get our residents and our staff out to socialize and engage with local school children and other organizations. It’s even more meaningful when these activities support a worthwhile cause. We all know that having a sense of purpose enriches our daily lives. And it’s heartening to know that this is also the case for individuals challenged by dementia. We, at Anthem Memory Care, have found that our residents get a sense of real satisfaction being part of efforts to contribute to making our greater community a better place.
If you have a loved one with dementia, be sure to make time to take them out from time to time to experience the sights and sounds of the world around them. If possible, involve them in activities that give them a sense of purpose. Doing so will improve the quality of life for your loved one as well as provide an enriching experience you both can share.