The Benefits of Socialization in Dementia Residents

Social Interactions play a significant and important role for adults who suffer from memory loss. Studies, including those done by the National Institute for Health, have demonstrated that both physical and mental health can be improved by spending quality time with family, friends, and neighbors, and through routine daily experience, increasing one’s quality of life.

For Seniors who suffer from memory loss, also known as dementia, who have trouble socializing as they age (often due to memory impairment interfering with their ability to participate in certain activities) long-term adult living facilities use socialization techniques designed to allow for interaction.  

Since Covid, Health Risks Due to Isolation are on the Rise

While many of us are returning to a more “normal” routine, Covid and lockdowns have had long-term impacts on seniors. A recently published CDC article, citing a National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine report, that “more than one-third of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.”

While it is still hard to measure, the CDC says that strong evidence suggests “Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.”

How Does Socialization Help Dementia Patients?

In patients suffering from dementia, socialization is much more than solely interacting with people – it is the act of being aware of their surroundings. Interacting with people, places, and things is an awareness experience that prevents a dementia resident from “straying off” into their own thoughts. Since daydreaming is typically used as a coping mechanism to attempt to reconnect with the present, routine socialization allows these individuals to stay connected to the present in a controlled manner.

How Socialization Impacts Health and Wellness

Healthcare providers agree that maintaining a social support system decreases the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and even physical health concerns while supporting brain health. One study has found (maybe link to study) that cognitive abilities decline 70% more slowly in individuals who had frequent social interaction than those with little to no social connections. Although this mechanism is not entirely understood, maintaining a strong social network allows individuals with dementia to retain more memories than peers who remain isolated.

Socialization Techniques We Use at Merino ALF

Our philosophy and priority at Merino Assisted Living Facility is in increasing the feeling of self-worth and awareness, decreasing the sense of loneliness, supporting brain health, and creating overall happiness for each resident through socialization. Our memory care approach focuses on encouraging each resident to engage in group activities and exercise and conversations with one another.

Simple Exercise Can Make a Difference

Our residents enjoy daily physical exercise to help with socialization. This often takes the form of aerobic exercise, such as a pleasant walk, to activities such as reading, puzzles and games. Our group activities also provide socialization that allows residents time together and interactions.

Stimulating Socialization Group Outings

Residents also can enjoy unique opportunities for social interaction during outings to ballet dances (such as the Nutcracker each December), group trips to the ice cream shop on a hot summer day, and relaxing afternoons in playing Bingo or completing puzzles. These special activities have been designed to incorporate purposeful programming and regular socialization into the daily lives of our residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Finding the Right Long-Term Care Facility is Important When it Comes to Socialization

At the Merino Adult Living Facility, it is important to us that residents maintain a sense of community for their wellbeing. We believe it is important to each resident to have interactions not only with their families and relatives but with their staff, neighbors, and friends in the facility.