Incorporate Seniors Into Daily Housing

 

Housing is more than just housing for the precious Senior population.

Seniors are the best clients…so give them the best attention.

Wenston DeSue

Since the start of the pandemic, resident isolation has been a major point of concern for senior living communities. As a result, finding ways for seniors to socialize, stay engaged, and connect with family and staff has been critical. 

Yet alongside the mental impacts of isolation, lies another key concern for seniors: deconditioning. Deconditioning refers to the process of physiological change that occurs as a result of inactivity. Deconditioning can cause a loss of muscle mass and strength, which can contribute to difficulty walking, increased falls, and inability to perform daily activities and tasks. For seniors, this can take a toll on autonomy, independence, mental health, and even sleeping patterns.

 

Thankfully, exercise and social activity have been proven to improve everyday function in long-term residents. 

As we settle into the winter season, and in some regions a period of increased COVID-19 cases, developing a plan for keeping residents moving is vital.

 

Below, we list seven ways you can prevent deconditioning in seniors in your communities.

 

1. Facilitate group exercises or team sports

Choosing activities that allow seniors to participate in a social setting, while staying distanced from one another, is a great way to facilitate engagement even when social distancing is required, as well as combat isolation and deconditioning.

Group Exercises

• Tai chi
• Yoga and chair yoga
• Swimming
• Zumba

 

Team Sports

• Shuffleboard
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Walking soccer
  
  
  

In addition to the physical benefits of sports, playing games helps seniors maintain key functions such as decision-making, hand-eye coordination, memory, and more. 

Looking for more ideas on how to fuel engagement? Read our isolation blog.

2. Get them outside

When the weather permits, moving regularly scheduled activities outside can be a great way to get seniors moving beyond their typical commute to the common room. In addition to increased movement, being outdoors allows access to fresh air, Vitamin D, and a stimulating change of scenery.

Outdoor Activities

• Typical activities that take place indoors (movie nights, bingo, mealtimes, etc.)
• Birdwatching
• Gardening
• Fruit picking
• Photography
  
  

3. Preload exercise videos on tablet

 

Tablets can be a surprising way to get seniors moving. By preloading tablets with activities that encourage movement, such as exercise videos, daily yoga practices, or fitness tracking, seniors can find easy ways to move around even when independent.

Popular Movement Apps

• Map My Walk
• Yoga Studio
• The Johnson & Johnson Official 7-Minute Workout
• 7-Minute Chi
• SilverSneakers GO
  
  

4. Personalize experiences

It’s important to note that not every activity will be motivating for every senior. For that reason, it’s important to include personalized activities as a part of residents’ personal engagement packages. Staff should ask each resident what types of activities they’ve enjoyed in the past and then find ways to incorporate them into their routines. Reintroducing an old hobby or practice, or exercise, even if modified, can excite and motivate seniors to participate more often.

5. Embrace Technology

Encouraging movement among residents can be time-consuming for staff, especially when attempting to introduce activities that are personal to individuals or small groups. Utilizing a community management system, such as Lifeline’s Carepoint system, can streamline workflows so staff can allocate less time to resident monitoring and bed checks. With staff feeling less rushed, they can refocus their energy on building connections with residents and facilitating activities that will keep them engaged.

Read more about increased engagement through automation here.

6. Incorporate music

Music is a great way to encourage movement while promoting relaxation and joy and improving memory all at the same time. Live music events, themed music nights, and access to a music player or designated music/dance room can all be great ways to encourage engagement with music. With voice integration software like Alexa, residents can also request their favorite songs independently (and without seeking staff assistance).

7. Initiate doorway exercises and hallway parties

Doorway and hallway activities emerged during the pandemic as a way to engage residents without leaving their rooms. Should restrictions return to the way they were, it’s smart for communities to remember this method of engagement. With residents seated or standing in their doorways, they can interact with staff and other residents at a safe distance while still being entertained. Tip: If residents have access to balconies, similar activities can be led from the courtyard instead of the hall.

Hallway Activities

• Themed “Happy Hours” where staff play music and deliver drinks and snacks
• Daily stretches
• Bingo
• Charades

With infection control and resident well-being top of mind, the demand for senior living communities to create safe, engaging spaces has never been higher. Thankfully, today’s community management systems have powerful features that can help free up staff to focus on resident care. 

Wenston DeSue is a realtor, organizational consultant, design, construct, build expert and developmental networker.  Real estate is the business of exchange and affects every person on the planet.  Real estate on all levels represents resources, access, purpose and often times, power.  These articles represent aspects that affect the business of real estate.