Welcome to the “Ready. Set. Summer! Kensington Caregiver Support Series,” an initiative to empower and equip caregivers with expert advice and resources.
At Kensington Place Redwood City, our focus is solely on providing exceptional memory care and living out Our Promise to care for your family as we do our own.
We’ve curated a series of engaging workshops tailored to this cause, covering topics from art and music therapy to maintaining balance in a busy caregiver’s life.
The next part of our series, “Together in Harmony: How to Meaningfully Use Music with a Loved One with Dementia,” is scheduled for July 12 at 3 p.m. PDT.
RSVP for this event and reserve your spots for the final three segments of our summer series.
Navigating communication challenges with the Alzheimer’s Association
Navigating communication challenges is a crucial aspect of caregiving, particularly when caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. At Kensington Place Redwood City, we equip caregivers with techniques to communicate effectively with their loved ones.
Recognizing behavior as a form of communication can lead to understanding and empathy. Changes in behavior could signal unmet needs or discomfort that the person may struggle to express verbally.
Our series begins on June 28 with “Creative Communication Strategies to Navigate Summer.” This interactive session in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association aims to equip caregivers with effective techniques to communicate with their loved ones during the summer months.
Communication tips for caregivers:
- Recognize changes in behavior as your loved one attempts to communicate their needs or discomfort.
- Utilize non-verbal communication like touch, eye contact, and body language to convey empathy.
- Maintain a calm and patient demeanor when interacting with your loved one.
- Leverage visual aids and other communication tools to help your loved one understand and express better.
Harnessing the power of music with Tara Jenkins
Music therapy is an important component of our holistic approach to senior well-being at Kensington Place Redwood City.
The power of music to evoke emotion and memory is particularly potent in seniors, offering a sensory-rich experience that can improve mood, social interaction, and cognitive function.
For individuals living with dementia, music can trigger past memories and serve as a non-verbal form of communication. The rhythms can facilitate movement, while familiar tunes can promote a sense of safety and comfort.
On July 12, join us for “Together in Harmony: How to Meaningfully Use Music with a Loved One with Dementia,” where Tara Jenkins, will enlighten participants on the transformative impact of music therapy.
Music activities for caregivers:
- Set aside a ‘music hour’ each day dedicated to enjoying music with your loved one.
- Play familiar tunes to evoke a sense of comfort and reminiscence.
- Involve your loved one in musical activities like singing or playing simple instruments.
- Tune into your loved one’s emotional response to different musical genres or songs and customize your playlist.
Discovering art therapy with the Scripps Gerontology Center
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we recognize art therapy as a cornerstone of the cognitive and emotional well-being of our senior residents.
Through artistic engagement, seniors find an avenue for self-expression, allowing them to communicate emotions that may be challenging to express verbally due to cognitive decline or memory loss.
The process of creating art can stimulate cognitive activity, potentially slowing the progression of disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Artistic activities can induce a state of ‘flow,’ promoting concentration and immersion in the present moment, crucial for cognitive engagement.
Scheduled for July 19, “Art for the Aging Brain” will immerse attendees into the therapeutic potential of art. This workshop, led by experts at the Scripps Gerontology Center, aims to help caregivers understand and implement art therapy to stimulate cognitive and emotional capabilities in seniors, particularly those grappling with memory loss.
Art therapy activities for caregivers:
- Schedule weekly art activities that cater to your loved one’s abilities.
- Use a variety of art materials like sketching pencils, clay, or collage materials.
- Foster an environment that allows your loved one to communicate through their art freely.
- Celebrate their creations by displaying them prominently to boost their morale and motivation.
Emphasizing caregiver mental fitness with Braden Bishop
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we emphasize the importance of caregiver mental health. Caregivers often shoulder significant emotional burdens, making self-care and mental fitness vital.
Join us on August 16 as Braden Bishop, a caregiver advocate, and former MLB baseball player, will guide a session on “Caregiver Mental Fitness.” From the personal experience of having his mother passing away from early onset dementia, he will emphasize the importance of mental health and self-care for those who care for seniors.
Caregiver mental health tips:
- Prioritize your physical health with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep.
- Incorporate mindfulness or deep-breathing techniques into your daily routine to help handle stress.
- Establish a reliable support network for emotional support and advice sharing.
- Allow yourself to take breaks and rest to prevent emotional exhaustion.
Achieving balance and joy with Sherri Snelling
Balancing the demands of caregiving and personal needs is a common challenge.
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we provide caregivers with strategies to maintain balance in their busy lives, including an updated blog page, book recommendations, and Kensington Konnect, a hub for caregivers.
Closing our series on August 23, Sherri Snelling will lead “Weekly Wellness Plan to Find Balance & Joy for a Busy Life,” empowering caregivers to develop a wellness plan that promotes balance and joy amidst their busy schedules.
Balancing tips for caregivers:
- Organize your daily activities into a consistent routine to provide structure and efficiency.
- Set aside personal time for relaxation and activities that bring you joy.
- Learn to prioritize tasks and delegate duties when possible to prevent burnout.
- Master the art of saying no to unnecessary commitments to ensure a balanced lifestyle.
Life enrichment at Kensington Place Redwood City
Located in beautiful Redwood City, Kensington Place is more than a memory care community — we are a sanctuary of warmth and compassion.
Our life enrichment team is at the heart of our community, orchestrating stimulating activities that incorporate art, music, and more to enhance our residents’ lives. In addition to our top-notch healthcare professionals and on-site rehabilitation, we take pride in our upscale community amenities, including all-day dining.
Discover Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
To RSVP or inquire with any questions about our care that our team can provide, please contact us today.
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we are committed to providing a life filled with joy and purpose for our residents, and we look forward to welcoming you.