Tips on Reducing Your Risk of Needing a Memory Care Facility

woman nurse and elderly woman patient putting together a puzzle

As you get older, your memory, ability to concentrate, ability to process new information may start to decline, which is a frustrating experience for most. You might find yourself forgetting things more easily or having difficulty understanding something that used to make perfect sense. You could also start feeling overwhelmed quickly when trying to learn new things or complete daily living tasks that require concentration. It may become harder for you to do the things you once enjoyed doing. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help slow the effects of cognitive decline.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to reduce your risk of needing a memory care facility down the road and how things like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are identified. By following these tips, you may be able to slow down the progression of these conditions, reduce the need for dementia care or an Alzheimer’s memory care facility in the near future, and keep your mind sharp. While it’s inevitable that you may need some form of support as you grow older, these proactive steps can help reduce the risk of relying on our Lancaster, PA, memory care facilities in the future.

1. Engage in Physical Activity

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve cognitive functioning and brain health. Regular physical activity helps increase oxygen and blood flow to your brain and stimulates new neural pathways that support better cognitive performance. This improved neural connectivity has been associated with an increased capacity for learning, creativity, and memory.

Research shows that just 20 minutes of physical activity daily can help boost cognitive performance, regardless of age. The best way to get the most out of your exercise routine for the benefit of your body and brain is to be consistent. Aim for at least three workouts per week or include physical activities in your daily schedule. If this is difficult, engage your family members or friends to get active alongside you so that you both reap the benefits.

2. Workout Your Brain

Recent studies have found that working out your brain is one of the best activities to keep your mind sharp and age-related memory disorders at bay. Hobbies like puzzles, reading, and completing crosswords can help improve overall brain health. It has been seen that those who engage in these activities regularly tend to keep their minds sharper for longer periods.

A study conducted at the University of Edinburgh found that such activities had an especially beneficial effect on older adults, leading to improved memory and overall health. The study showed that areas like critical thinking, memory retention, and thinking quickly all improved in older adults with regular cognitively-stimulating exercises.

Brain exercises are an excellent way to stay mentally active and challenge your mind. The key is to find activities that you enjoy doing and stick with them. Whether it’s playing chess, solving puzzles, or reading a book, engaging in activities that stimulate your brain and keep you intellectually active can make a huge difference to your need for Alzheimer’s or dementia care further down the road in life.

3. Eating a Nutrient-Rich, Healthy Diet

A healthy and nutrient-rich diet is essential for optimal health and cognitive functioning. Ensuring your dining and meal choices have plenty of fruits and vegetables helps provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants to support overall health. Fruits and vegetables also contain a variety of phytochemicals that are beneficial for the brain, such as polyphenols which may help improve memory and cognition. Additionally, complex carbohydrates found in whole grains provide sustained fuel throughout the day, which helps to keep you focused and energized.

Eating lean proteins like fish, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds can also help promote neurological health by providing amino acids necessary for producing neurotransmitters. Additionally, healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, or ghee offer long-lasting energy along with other essential fatty acids that have been shown to improve brain function. Incorporating these nutritious foods into your daily diet and assuring proper meal intake can help your body and mind stay strong and help to reduce your risk of needing memory support and dementia care or Alzheimer’s care in Lancaster, PA.

4. Staying Connected with Loved Ones

an older adult and a younger man and his son walking together in the fall

In addition to eating right, staying socially connected can have various cognitive benefits for older adults. Engaging in conversations encourages people to think critically and express their thoughts, which improves skill sets such as problem-solving, memory retention, and decision-making.

For example, conversations between friends and family members can help to highlight any inconsistencies in recall or reasoning, which can be important clues in identifying potential issues with memory loss. Additionally, regular conversation with family members and others helps to keep the brain active and engaged, which can help reduce the risk of developing dementia or needing a dementia care or memory care facility in the future.

Staying socially connected also gives individuals a sense of purpose and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation that may contribute to memory problems. It can also boost self-esteem levels and provide a distraction from everyday tasks, allowing for more mindful thoughts that can be beneficial for mental health.

However, social interaction isn’t limited to simple conversation. Activities like playing chess or card games with family or friends can also be beneficial as they encourage people to think through complex strategies and use their memory skills. Additionally, activities within a support program like pet therapy or group activities can help to increase someone’s social interaction over time, potentially reducing the need for memory support.

Choose the Best Memory Care Facility with Our Staff at Calvary Fellowship Homes

While the above four tips can potentially help you or a family member reduce the chance of needing Alzheimer’s or dementia care, it sometimes can’t be prevented. And when that happens, you need a memory care facility to give the care that person needs.

When the time comes for you or someone you love to start thinking about the memory support needed for Alzheimer’s care or other dementias, Calvary Fellowship Homes can help. With our trusted staff of registered nurses, medical professionals, and other care staff, you will rest assured that you or your loved one will be supported no matter what. Learn more about our services in our Lancaster, PA facility & contact us for a tour today.

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