At CountryHouse, our commitment to holistic wellness sets us apart, and we take pride in nurturing the four dimensions of wellness – social, spiritual, intellectual, and physical – for every individual in our community. Especially for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, we recognize the significance of unique approaches to enhancing well-being. One such approach that has gained considerable traction in recent years is meditation.
Below, we delve into the different types of meditation as well as the numerous health benefits it has to offer for seniors living with Alzheimer’s:
What is Meditation?
Meditation, often enveloped in an aura of mystique, is essentially a practice that focuses on training attention and awareness to bring mental clarity and emotional calmness. It is a technique that has been employed for millennia across various cultures and traditions.
At its core, meditation involves concentrating on the present moment. This could mean focusing on your breath, a particular thought, or even an external object. The aim is to quieten the mind, minimizing the number of random thoughts that can cause stress and anxiety.
There are several types of meditation techniques, including:
Mindfulness Meditation: Originating from Buddhist teachings, this form emphasizes being aware and present at the moment.
Concentration Meditation: This involves focusing on a single point. This could be following your breathing, chanting, or even just a stationery spot in your room.
Guided Meditation: Here, a teacher or guide leads the meditator through a particular scenario or story in their mind, usually accompanied by calming music or sounds of nature.
Transcendental Meditation: A specific form where one silently repeats a particular word or phrase, known as a mantra, to settle the mind.
While these are just a few examples, all meditation practices aim to foster a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. For seniors, especially those in our CountryHouse communities, this can mean a respite from the challenges they face daily, anchoring them in the peace and tranquility of the present moment.
10 Health Benefits for Memory Care Residents
Now that you have a little bit of background regarding meditation, you might be curious about how it can help those living with dementia. Here are some of the key reasons why memory care residents can benefit from meditation:
#1.) Improved Cognitive Functioning:
It is well known that dementia directly impairs cognitive function. Being able to help those living with dementia to be able to stay as mentally sharp and involved as possible. Meditation can be very useful in this regard as it has been shown to stimulate areas of the brain that can aid in sharpening the mind and enhancing focus.
#2.) Reduced Stress:
One common symptom of dementia is increased anxiety and stress, especially around the end of the day. By utilizing this relaxation technique, you can significantly reduce stress, which is beneficial for overall mental health and helps bolster quality of life.
#3.) Enhanced Emotional Well-being:
Meditation fosters a calm state of mind, helping those living with Alzheimer’s to navigate their emotions more easily. This, in turn, allows the memory care resident to feel more at peace and in control over their mind.
#4.) Improved Sleep Patterns:
Did you know that those living with dementia are prone to struggle with getting quality rest at night? This can lead to serious issues throughout the day, including failure to regulate their emotions and stress levels. Regular meditation can lead to better sleep quality, crucial for maintaining overall health in seniors.
#5.) Lowered Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure and maintaining proper cardiovascular health is a top priority for most older adults. The calming effect of meditation can result in decreased blood pressure, benefiting heart health in the long term.
#6.) Strengthened Immune System:
The cooler weather is on its way, meaning that cold and flu season is also right around the corner. If you’re concerned about keeping up your immune system, meditation could be extremely helpful. This is because meditation aids in maintaining a balance in the body, boosting the immune system’s performance.
#7.) Decreased Feelings of Isolation:
Did you know that many older adults struggle with feelings of isolation? Connecting with other residents and feeling included can help to counteract this issue. Group meditation sessions can create a sense of community and belonging among participants.
#8.) Enhanced Memory Recall:
While meditation isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s, it can help in stimulating the brain to retain and recall memories more effectively.
#9.) Better Management of Anxiety and Depression:
Meditation equips individuals with tools to cope with anxious thoughts and depressive feelings, which are common among those who have dementia.
#10.) Strengthened Connection to the Present:
Mindfulness practices in meditation keep individuals grounded in the present moment, invaluable for those living with Alzheimer’s. Being able to stay present and connected can mean an elevated quality of life.
Discover Our LifeCycles Wellness Program
CountryHouse exclusively provides memory care for those who live with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Our empathetic and well-trained team ensures that residents experience joy-filled moments daily. Our Alzheimer care in Omaha is unique at CountryHouse because we customize our care based on the rich histories, passions, and hobbies of our residents, making every moment count.
Nurturing more than just physical health, our signature LifeCycles Wellness Program caters to every facet of well-being. Alzheimer care in Omaha is redefined at CountryHouse, where activities, dining, health care, and meaningful conversations converge to offer an environment where residents truly thrive.
Wonderful moments await at a CountryHouse community – from scenic drives and ice cream delights to the resonance of familiar music and the warmth of shared conversations. Our Alzheimer care in Omaha is deeply personalized, as our team listens to both the individual and their loved ones to tailor care that feels right at home.
Our dedication to life enrichment, paired with our expert team and purposeful community design, makes our Alzheimer care in Omaha at CountryHouse stand out. At CountryHouse, it’s more than just a community – it’s home. Trust our staff to care for your loved one as they would their own family.
Tour Our Memory Care Community Today!
Are you eager to explore a haven where your loved one can experience holistic well-being? We
invite you to take a tour of our community and witness firsthand how we redefine Alzheimer care in Omaha. CountryHouse promises a home-like atmosphere where your dear ones are treated with utmost love and respect. Contact us today and let us be a part of your journey to wellness.
