Who would have expected, years ago, that the senior living space would become one of the most technologically rich industries ever? Thank the Boomers for this phenomenon – now that the bulk of them are at that age, they’re demanding more from their retirement and expecting to enjoy all sorts of advances that will help them live longer, live better and have a higher quality of life.
“We’re seeing all sorts of advancements, tools and resources available on the market today that are designed to help older adults live their golden years in comfort and style,” says Reshma Nair, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “In my opinion, the area where technology is really benefiting is in memory care.”
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are challenging and unique when it comes to treatment and care. Because of the progressive nature of the disease, the familiar slowly becomes frightening and disorienting, and the individual eventually loses all ability to function independently. This is difficult for both the person with dementia and the people who love them.
“Dementia is all-consuming, which can be a hardship for caregivers because they’re so focused on getting through the day that they may not be able to take care of all the emotional and mental needs of their loved one,” Reshma explains. “That’s why so many of the new technologies have been such a boon. These tools are able to help reduce stress, promote independence, reduce unwanted behaviors and overall, improve the quality of life for those with dementia as well as their caregivers.”
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, technology is integrated into daily life through a person-centered technology called iN2L. This innovative programming, designed specifically for individuals living with dementia, has been proven to help improve the lives of our residents in many ways.
The mission of iN2L is to provide “Dignity Through Technology.” This is accomplished by making it easy for anyone to interact with computers and other technology-based devices on a simple, intuitive digital tool. The tool features a picture-based infrastructure and a touchscreen that makes it easy for anyone using it to quickly and easily navigate to content that interests them.
One of the major reasons why we adopted iN2L technology at our memory care assisted living community is the wide variety of benefits it brings to those who call us home, including:
- Keeping minds active and engaged. Exercising your brain is incredibly important to mental and emotional health, even for those living with dementia. iN2L offers a wide variety of games and activities that can help test and encourage memory skills, reflexes, creativity and more. The best part is that the technology can be adapted to each individual’s abilities, so even those in the later stage of dementia can benefit.
- Helping boost health and wellness. Physical activity helps boost endorphins, keeps our cardiovascular system running as well as possible and helps maintain physical abilities. iN2L offers virtual exercise classes that are both dementia-friendly and fun. Chair yoga, tai chi and strength training are all favorites.
- Providing exciting entertainment options. Getting out and exploring the world keeps us engaged, happy and fulfilled, but this can be hard to do if you have difficulty with mobility. It’s no surprise then that one of our residents’ favorite iN2L programs is their virtual trips. These programs allow individuals to travel around the world without ever having to step outside our community. Besides these around-the-world trips, there are also plenty of movies, TV shows and other online entertainment to enjoy.
- Connecting with spirituality. Being connected to a higher power and purpose is fulfilling, calming and uplifting. Many of our residents have a faith they follow, and iN2L allows us to connect them to religious services, hymns, uplifting videos, sermons and more that feed their souls and give them a sense of peace and connection.
- Staying close with loved ones. Being socially and emotionally connected to the people we love provides comfort. iN2L allows us to help residents connect and interact with friends, family and other loved ones through email, Skype and specialized storytelling tools that help capture and preserve meaningful memories.
Another innovative technology Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover uses is Eversound®. This is a wireless listening system that’s been designed to enhance the effectiveness of senior living events, programs and activities. The technology is designed to help eliminate background noise, which helps residents clearly hear conversations, programming, music programs and more. Besides providing enjoyment, Eversound® also benefits residents (and team members) by:
- Encouraging social connection
- Increasing the therapeutic benefits of programming
- Making it easier to provide care
- Reducing unwanted behaviors by removing triggers
“Technology is continuing to evolve at an amazing pace, and I predict that we’ll continue to see great strides made in the technology sector when it comes to helping improve the lives of those living with dementia,” says Reshma. “Bridges by EPOCH at Andover will continue to adopt person-centered technologies that improve the quality of life for our residents, allowing us to provide them with meaningful entertainment, engagement and enrichment.”
Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care.
Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.
Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features, including soft colors and lighting, directional cues, and aromatherapy, empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.