Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].
Q: There have been a lot of technological advances in the senior living space recently, particularly when it comes to memory care. How is Bridges® by EPOCH integrating new technologies into their care and therapies?
A. Technology and the use of it is exploding in the senior living space. You can thank the Boomers for that – now that scores of them are retiring, they are demanding more and more from their retirement, and companies are rising to the challenge. All sorts of things are available on the market to help senior retirees live their best lives possible. But where we’re really seeing huge benefits of technology is in the memory care arena – both for seniors with dementia and their caregivers.
Dementia is a unique and challenging disease, making the familiar seem disorienting and frightening. It’s also all-consuming, meaning that caregivers often aren’t able to devote the time to nurturing a sense of whole-body wellness – it’s hard enough just getting through the day sometimes. However, new technologies in the market can help improve the quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones by establishing a routine, improving safety, easing anxiety with proven tools, reducing stress and even promoting independence.
One of the many ways Bridges® by EPOCH communities use technology to care for our residents and improve their quality of life is through unique, person-centered technology called iN2L. This innovative, specialized programming has been specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
iN2L’s mission is to provide “Dignity Through Technology,” and it accomplishes this by providing a simple-to-use digital tool that enables everyone to interact easily with the computer. By using a touchscreen, picture-based interface, iN2L makes it easy for individuals to navigate to the content that interests them.
We’re really excited about the iN2L technology at Bridges® by EPOCH because of its ability to provide a wide variety of benefits for our residents with dementia, such as:
- Improving health and wellness. Our residents enjoy fun, dementia-friendly exercise classes (virtually), like tai chi and chair yoga.
- Keeping the mind active. iN2L has a wide variety of games, quizzes and trivia that have been designed to test memory, reflexes and other skills. Studies have shown that exercising the brain has amazing benefits, no matter what stage of dementia a person may be in.
- Providing entertainment. One of our favorite iN2L programs is the virtual trips. These take our residents to exciting destinations around the world, without them ever having to leave the comfort of their chair. And, of course, there are many videos, TV shows and movies available.
- Nurturing spirits. Spirituality is one of the seven dimensions of wellness, and feeling connected to a higher power is calming and fulfilling to all of us. We’re able to connect residents with sermons, hymns and uplifting videos to give them a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
- Maintaining personal connections. Staying connected to loved ones is so important to our residents. Skype, email and life storytelling tools are all included in iN2L and allow for easy visits with friends and family.
Bridges® by EPOCH also utilizes Eversound®, a wireless listening system designed specifically for senior living, to enhance the effectiveness of our activities, programs and events. The innovative Eversound technology eliminates frustrating background noise and allows seniors to clearly hear programming, conversations, music and more. Benefits include:
- Promotes ease of care and programming delivery
- Enhances social connection
- Reduces resistance
- Increases therapeutic benefits
Technology is ever evolving, and as we uncover more information about dementia and the treatment of these types of disease, I predict we will continue to see increasingly sophisticated technologies to help individuals live the highest quality of life possible. Rest assured that Bridges® by EPOCH will continue our mission of providing the very best informed care to those who call us home, and will continue to adapt technologies to engage, entertain and enrich the lives of our residents.
Join us for an upcoming virtual Memory Café in June to get a taste of the iN2L programming at Bridges® by EPOCH. You and your loved one can experience the iN2L system with a fun, interactive Zoom session with our team. For details and registration information, reach out to the Senior Advisor at your local Bridges® community.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.
We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.
Inspiration for Success
At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents each and every day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.